PSYCH511-23A (HAM)

Evaluation Research Design

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Psychology

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Lecturer(s)

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: rita.deacon@waikato.ac.nz

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: alistair.lamb@waikato.ac.nz

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What this paper is about

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Paper Description

This 15 point paper provides a theoretical grounding in programme evaluation, with an emphasis on the evaluation of programmes in the not-for-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods, collaborative approaches and evaluation as a strategy of incremental social change. As part of the paper students develop a comprehensive research plan for undertaking an evaluation of a social service or health programme.

This paper focuses on understanding the history of evaluation, major models of programme evaluation and their application, with an emphasis on a New Zealand context. During this paper students will develop a detailed and coherent evaluation research proposal that will utilise different research methods. Specific attributes that successful students will acquire are:

  • An understanding of the role of evaluation research and the major models of evaluation,
  • A basic understanding of project planning, and
  • Experience in formulating a comprehensive evaluation research plan.

We will cover a number of issues relevant to the evaluation of programmes and policies such as the conceptualisation and planning of evaluations, the politics of evaluation, critique of evaluation proposals, and the production of your own evaluation proposal. Particular emphasis is given to the use of qualitative methods and approaches.

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How this paper will be taught

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Paper Structure

This class meets on Fridays during Semester A, 9:00am to 10:50am, in KB.01. The following programme is indicative only. Some changes may be necessary to better align with guest speaker availability and progress on your evaluation proposals.

Please note, there is no examination for this paper. However, for those intending to do PSYCH513, there is an expectation that you (as a member of a group) will negotiate availability to undertake tasks required to obtain ethical approval. Ethical approval will allow groups to begin data collection in B Semester, and is essential for the timely completion of group projects.

Students are expected to take their own lecture notes. Sometimes edited slides will be available to students on Moodle 1 day after the lecture.

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Required Readings

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Students are required to read all websites, papers and articles that are served via Moodle, distributed in class, or made available through the Faculty Information Centre. The following texts are referenced numerous times throughout the year and are available at the library. Students can purchase copies of these for themselves or loan them from the library.

Thomas, D., & Hodges, I. (2010). Designing and managing your research project: Core skills for social and health researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage.
Dahlberg, L., & McCaig, C. (2010). Practical research and evaluation: A start to finish guide for practitioners. Beverly Hills, California:
Sage.
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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of evaluation through familiarity with different models of evaluation and the application of these to different contexts including NZ
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and apply understanding of evaluation principles and concepts to project plans
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Design an evaluation: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of general & ethical principles of psychological research and then apply these to the design of a small-scale evaluation
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Effectively communicate your critical assessment of evaluation models, processes and methods for evaluation
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Understand the concepts and principles underlying the theory of evaluation
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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Because the coursework examination ratio for this paper is 100:0 students must make a genuine attempt to complete all pieces of assessment to a passing standard. The total value of each piece of assessment is such that failure to complete any of these assessments could result in the student receiving a failing grade.
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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Seminar presentation or On-line Quiz
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Proposal review
14 Apr 2023
5:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Critical Reflection & Creative writing
2 Jun 2023
5:00 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Evaluation proposal
9 Jun 2023
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Reading Reviews (RR)
Sum of Best ( 4 )
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. RR #1: Power, politics and ethics
13 Mar 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
7. RR #2: Fostering use by intended users
27 Mar 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
8. RR #3: Relational ethics & ecological approach
11 Apr 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
9. RR #4: Cultural Considerations
1 May 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
10. RR #5: Planning vs Outcome
15 May 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
11. RR #6: Interview Techniques
29 May 2023
9:00 AM
-
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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