What is the difference between an evaluation research project that assumes a black box and one that seeks to develop a program theory?

What will be an ideal response?


The process by which a program has an effect on outcomes is often treated as a black box, that is, the focus of the evaluation researcher is on whether cases seem to have changed as a result of their exposure to the program between the time they entered the program as inputs and when they exited the program as outputs (Chen, 1990). The assumption is that program evaluation requires only the test of a simple input-output model. If an investigation of program process is conducted, a program theory may be developed. A program theory describes what has been learned about how the program has its effect. When a researcher has sufficient knowledge before the investigation begins, outlining a program theory can help to guide the investigation of program process in the most productive directions. This is termed a theory-driven evaluation.

Social Work & Human Services

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Rodney is an extremely talented social work researcher who has interests in studying racial profiling

Due to his solid reputation as a researcher, Citibank has approached him to conduct research for helping the corporation maximize profits. In response, Rodney turns down Citibank's offer. According to the text and given this vignette, why did Rodney turn down the research opportunity? a) Rodney does not have the research skills b) The topic is not important to social work c) The topic is to narrowly defined d) The topic is a conflict of interest

Social Work & Human Services

The question:

It would be OK if a person recovering from a cocaine addiction: 1 . _____ lived in my town. 2 . _____ lived on my block. 3 . _____ lived next door. 4 . _____ became friends with one of my family members is an example of: A. fixed-alternative item B. composite index C. open-ended item D. Bogardus Scale

Social Work & Human Services

The politkon zo'on, or political animal, of Greek political philosophy a. referred to slaves owned by the polis, or city-state. b. was a fully developed human who exercised his humanity by publicparticipation

c. is the foundation of modern democratic politics. d. referred the professional politicians, or orators, of ancient Greece.

Social Work & Human Services

The methodology section would include all of the following except

description of the A. participants. B. research method. C. results. D. outcome measures.

Social Work & Human Services