Clarifying the merits of argument in evaluation practice
Evaluation and Program PlanningPublished 1 October 1993Open access
Deborah M. Fournier, Nick L. Smith
Citations16
SJR quartileQ2
SJR score0.55
SNIP0.89
Generate an AI Snapshot to get a quick, structured summary of this paper.
Study Snapshot
ObjectiveStudy objective
MethodsResearch methodology
PopulationPopulation studied
Sample sizeSample sizes
OutcomesStudy outcomes here
ResultsStudy results comes here
LimitationsResearch study limitations comes here
A concise AI-generated summary of the paper will appear here once you click Generate AI Snapshot.
Abstract
In prior writings, we have explored alternative means of justifying claims in evaluation practice. After a brief review of these previous investigations, we provide an analysis employing Toulmin's (1958) jurisprudence metaphor in the assessment of evaluative arguments. Applications and implications for evaluation practice are discussed.
Keywords
Decision Sciences
Medical Entomology and ZoologyExperimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Research
15,238 Citations1963Donald T. Campbell, Julian C. Stanley +1 more
Cambridge University Press eBooksThe Uses of Argument
5,615 Citations2003Stephen Toulmin
Stephen Toulmin’s views on the field-dependency of validity criteria but also his model of the “layout arguments”, with its description of the functional moves in the argumentation process, have made this book a modern classic in the study of argumentation.
Studies in Art EducationQualitative Inquiry in Education: The Continuing Debate
815 Citations1993Mary Stokrocki, Emily Eisner +1 more
Cognitive Processes in Choice and Decision Behavior
679 Citations1979Thomas S. Wallsten, Hillel J. Einhorn +3 more
Medical Entomology and ZoologyMethodology and epistemology for social science : selected papers
238 Citations1988Donald T. Campbell, E. Samuel Overman
Law & Society ReviewFormal and Empirical Research on Cascaded Inference in Jurisprudence
146 Citations1982David A. Schum, Anne Martin
Evaluation and Program PlanningThe certainty of judgments in health evaluations
54 Citations1981Nick L. Smith
Three levels of evidence common to evaluation studies are discussed: suggestive evidence, preponderant evidence, and conclusive evidence; ten factors are presented which can be used to determine the level of certainty appropriate for a given evaluation study.
Evaluation and Program PlanningToward the justification of claims in evaluation research
16 Citations1987Nick L. Smith
By construing these claims as question-answer propositions, it is possible to identify the specific kinds of questions associated with each of the four types of claims.
Educational Evaluation and Policy AnalysisNotes: Classifying Research Questions Addressed in Published Evaluation Studies
9 Citations1994Nick L. Smith, Prachee Mukherjee
Studies In Educational EvaluationFinding the question for evaluation research
5 Citations1987J. T. Dillon
Evaluation and Program PlanningLegal standards for evaluation research
4 Citations1982Roberta Morris, Bruce D. Sales
Evaluation and Program PlanningLevels of evidence and degrees of certainty in evaluation: A response to Morris and Sales (1982)
3 Citations1982Nick L. Smith
Readers are urged to consider consciously the levels of evidence most important in each evaluation study rather than always as these two commentaries in reaching their own conto assume that only conclusive evidence will suffice.
Evaluation PracticeContent analysis of the Evaluation Studies Review Annual, 1975–1986
2 Citations1989Nick L. Smith, Prachee Mukherjee
