NCJ Number
15756
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 394 Dated: (MARCH 1971) Pages: 57-71
Date Published
1971
Length
15 pages
Annotation
COMPARES ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION BY EXAMINING THE DISSIMILARITY IN THEIR FUNCTIONS AND THE SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO THEIR USE.
Abstract
DURING THE 1960'S, PROGRAM INNOVATION AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS BLOOMED CONCURRENTLY. ESPECIALLY DURING THE MID-YEARS OF THAT DECADE, MANY NEW SOCIAL ENTERPRISES WERE SPURRED BY THE CONFIDENT ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SCIENTISTS. THE 1970'S, HOWEVER, HAVE USHERED IN A PERIOD OF PROGRAM EVALUATION AND PUBLIC RETROSPECTION. THE EMPHASIS NO LONGER IS ON BUILDING A RECORD OF PROGRAM INITIATIVES OR ON PROJECTING THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF PROSPECTIVE FEDERAL POLICIES, BUT ON LOOKING BACKWARD TO MEASURE WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY MEANS OF THE ACTIVITIES ALREADY UNDERTAKEN. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION IS TIED TO THE POLICY-MAKING CONTEXT WITHIN WHICH SOCIAL SCIENCE OPERATES. THE USES OF ANALYSIS ARE MOST IN DEMAND WHEN UNDERUTILIZED SLACK RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE, WHEN THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE IN EFFICACY OF PUBLIC ACTION, AND WHEN POLICY-MAKERS WANT TO FORGE NEW PROGRAM INITIATIVES. WHEN THESE CONDITIONS CHANGE, THE DOMINANT TONE OF BOTH SOCIAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC SHIFTS TO EVALUATION. THE DRAINAGE OF RESOURCES, CONFIDENCE, AND THE WILL TO INNOVATE THUS ACCOUNT FOR THE RECENT RISE OF EVALUATION. THE DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGING STATUS OF THE PROGRAMMING, PLANNING, AND BUDGETING SYSTEM (PPBS) IS REVIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF ITS USE AS AN ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)