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Evaluating the Outcomes of Human Service Programs

Author

Listed:
  • William D. Neigher

    (St. Clare's Hospital Rutgers University)

  • Herbert C. Schulberg

    (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)

Abstract

Measuring client and program outcomes in human services remains as difficult as it is controversial. In the context of changing public funding in many social programs, we offer an assessment of current problems facing outcome evaluation as conceptualized in legislation, as practiced at the agency level and from a systems perspective. The article points out that while research and evaluation are clearly interdependent functions, they operate with differing value, resource, and reward systems when program outcome performance is assessed. We argue for a new balance of effort between the prospective validation of social welfare programs (research) and retrospective program analysis (evaluation).

Suggested Citation

  • William D. Neigher & Herbert C. Schulberg, 1982. "Evaluating the Outcomes of Human Service Programs," Evaluation Review, , vol. 6(6), pages 731-752, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:6:y:1982:i:6:p:731-752
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X8200600602
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Windle, Charles & Neigher, William, 1978. "Ethical problems in program evaluation: Advice for trapped evaluators," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 1(2), pages 97-107, January.
    2. Neigher, William D., 1980. "Leverage and evaluation: Beating plowshares into swords," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 3(3), pages 191-194, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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