Graduation Date
1999
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Sing Chew
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Paul Crosbie
Fourth Committee Member Name
Dr. Ronald A. Fritzsche
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
There are ongoing discussions in the field of social research concerning the utility of Program Evaluation (Browne and Wildavsky, 1983; Posavac and Carey, 1989; Deshler and Ewert, 1995). Program managers need relevant information to make policy decisions, improve processes, or validate their existence. Program evaluation activities need to be assessed for the same reasons social researchers evaluate programs, i.e., accountability, selecting best practices, program improvement, etc.... Posavac and Carey (1989:3) state “The mission of program evaluation.. .is to assist in improving the quality of human services.” The purpose of this project was to assess the evaluation of Project Challenge Pilot Program, in which I was involved. The success of the evaluation was determined by the utility of our recommendations. After reviewing three distinct models of evaluation, Expert, Action Research, and Participatory Action Research, I created an “Evaluation Continuum” for comparative and illustrative purposes. A broader literature review identified the success indicators used to measure the evaluation outcomes. The indicators were 1) utilization of recommendations and 2) impact of recommendations. A description of the PCPP evaluation provides the context for understanding the findings and recommendations presented to the Program Manager. The results revealed a successful evaluation of PCPP with three of the five recommendations implemented and one under consideration by the Task Force. Due to iv the closure of the program, the impact of the implemented recommendations could not be measured. My conclusion demonstrates how Participatory Action Research would have effected our findings and recommendations.
Recommended Citation
Scripter, Judy Lynn, "An Assessment of the Project Challenge Pilot Program Evaluation" (1999). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2345.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2345