Evaluating

Values, Biases, and Practical Wisdom

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Educational Theory, Evaluation
Cover of the book Evaluating by Ernest R. House, Information Age Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ernest R. House ISBN: 9781623969172
Publisher: Information Age Publishing Publication: December 1, 2014
Imprint: Information Age Publishing Language: English
Author: Ernest R. House
ISBN: 9781623969172
Publisher: Information Age Publishing
Publication: December 1, 2014
Imprint: Information Age Publishing
Language: English

In this book, Ernie House reframes how we think about evaluation by reconsidering three key concepts of values, biases, and practical wisdom. The first part of the book reconstructs core evaluation concepts, with a focus on the origins of our values and biases. The second part explores how we handle values and biases in practice, and the third shows how we learn practical wisdom and use it in evaluations. Value is the central concept in this volume, yet it’s a fuzzy concept. In Part I, Ernie clarifies the concept of value by addressing basic questions: What are values? Where do they come from? Why do we have them? Why is our conception so confused? How do we handle values in evaluations? In Part II, another central concept is added, that of biases. Prominent evaluation frameworks have focused on biases, including Campbell and Stanley’s (1963) framework for validating causal inferences and Scriven’s (1972) conception of objectivity, which is achieved by correcting for biases in general. In addition, research on thought processes has made progress by focusing on cognitive biases (Kahneman, 2011). Even so, through a case example, Ernie demonstrates that the concept of biases is underappreciated and not well engaged in evaluation practice. The third important concept, featured in Part III, is practical wisdom, which is the knowledge that evaluators acquire through experience. Practical wisdom informs what we do, possibly as much as theory. Experienced evaluators often conduct evaluations in similar ways, regardless of their theory, because practical wisdom determines much of what they do. Ernie provides concrete examples of practical wisdom and how we employ it. Throughout the book, he draws on the empirical research on thinking processes, especially Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow (2011). This book will be of interest and relevance to all evaluation scholars and practitioners, as it thoughtfully engages core constructs of the field. The book can also well serve as a supplementary text in multiple evaluation courses, as it offers valuable conceptual and practical perspectives on our craft.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this book, Ernie House reframes how we think about evaluation by reconsidering three key concepts of values, biases, and practical wisdom. The first part of the book reconstructs core evaluation concepts, with a focus on the origins of our values and biases. The second part explores how we handle values and biases in practice, and the third shows how we learn practical wisdom and use it in evaluations. Value is the central concept in this volume, yet it’s a fuzzy concept. In Part I, Ernie clarifies the concept of value by addressing basic questions: What are values? Where do they come from? Why do we have them? Why is our conception so confused? How do we handle values in evaluations? In Part II, another central concept is added, that of biases. Prominent evaluation frameworks have focused on biases, including Campbell and Stanley’s (1963) framework for validating causal inferences and Scriven’s (1972) conception of objectivity, which is achieved by correcting for biases in general. In addition, research on thought processes has made progress by focusing on cognitive biases (Kahneman, 2011). Even so, through a case example, Ernie demonstrates that the concept of biases is underappreciated and not well engaged in evaluation practice. The third important concept, featured in Part III, is practical wisdom, which is the knowledge that evaluators acquire through experience. Practical wisdom informs what we do, possibly as much as theory. Experienced evaluators often conduct evaluations in similar ways, regardless of their theory, because practical wisdom determines much of what they do. Ernie provides concrete examples of practical wisdom and how we employ it. Throughout the book, he draws on the empirical research on thinking processes, especially Kahneman’s Thinking Fast and Slow (2011). This book will be of interest and relevance to all evaluation scholars and practitioners, as it thoughtfully engages core constructs of the field. The book can also well serve as a supplementary text in multiple evaluation courses, as it offers valuable conceptual and practical perspectives on our craft.

More books from Information Age Publishing

Cover of the book No Reluctant Citizens by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Innovation and Implementation in Rural Places by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Transforming Teacher Education through ServiceLearning by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Optimizing Talent by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book The Practice of Behavioral Strategy by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Human Resource Management in Mexico by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Managing PublicPrivate Strategic Alliances by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Fostering Global Citizenship by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Inspiring Student Writers by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Apocalyptic Leadership in Education by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Promising Practices for Teachers to Engage with Families of English Language Learners by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book New Perspectives on Asian American Parents, Students and Teacher Recruitment by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Evaluating Electronic Portfolios in Teacher Education by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Silent Partners in Multicultural Education by Ernest R. House
Cover of the book Interpartner Dynamics in Strategic Alliances by Ernest R. House
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy