NCJ Number
157026
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1994) Pages: 159-164
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article is the authors' attempt to integrate the theory-driven and constructionist approaches to program evaluation and to apply this integrated framework to criminal justice programs.
Abstract
In theory-driven program evaluation, the claim is that neglect of theory produces an evaluation that is a set of predetermined research steps that are uniformly and mechanically applied to various programs without concern for the theoretical implications of program content, setting, participants, implementing organizations, etc. The lack of theory means appropriateness of goals and possible unintended consequences of a program might never be considered. One example in criminal justice evaluation is shock incarceration, which is usually evaluated on how much it reduces recidivism of offenders or diverts offenders from prison. However, this approach ignores the extent to which the program supports the larger policy goal of getting tough on crime. The authors claim that using a social constructionist approach helps to disclose wider social interests underlying broad policy goals. They examine in some detail the social construction of intermediate sanctions. References