Utilization-Focused Evaluation

In the Fourth Edition of the bestselling Utilization-Focused Evaluation, leading evaluation expert Michael Quinn Patton shows readers how to conduct program evaluations-from beginning to end-that will yield useful results. Using a lively writing style, Patton helps readers develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of how to improve program evaluation. He includes tips ranging from how to identify primary users of an evaluation to how present one’s findings. Patton imbues the book with a definite point of view developed from observing much of what has passed for program evaluation that has not been very useful.

Key Features of the Fourth Edition

• Provides thoroughly updated materials including more international content; new references; new exhibits and sidebars; and new examples, stories, and cartoons
• Includes follow-up exercises at the end of each chapter
• Features a utilization-focused evaluation checklist
• Gives greater emphasis on mixed methods
• Analyzes the pluses and minuses of the increased emphasis on accountability and performance measurement in government at all levels
• Details the explosion of international evaluation

Intended Audience

Both theoretical and practical, this core text is an essential resource for students enrolled in Program Evaluation courses in a variety of disciplines-including public administration, government, social sciences, education, and management. Practitioners will also find this text invaluable.