Evaluation is an act of persuasion directed to a specific audience concerning the solution of a problem. The process of evaluation is prescribed by the nature of knowledge--which is generally complex, always uncertain (in varying degrees), and not always propositional--and by the nature of logic, which is always selective. In the process of persuasion one must ascertain who the audience is and find a basis of agreement on premises, both of facts and values, and on presumptions. Two criteria for evaluation are: the most efficient way to a given end, or the most effective use of available resources. Quantitative evaluation methods involve three stages: (1) substantive definition of the problem and its translation into a formal, mathematical model; (2) compilation of information in terms of the formal model and its formal, logical analysis; and (3) translation of the formal conclusions back into substantive terms. Both formulation and interpretation require good intuitive judgment. The evaluator and the audience must employ their reasoning in a dialogue, and both must assume responsibility, since evaluation is never completely convincing nor entirely arbitrary. The logical arguments used in two works are discussed. The works--Gene V. Glass' review of Michael Scriven's instructional cassette lecture on "Evaluation Skills;" and Scriven's reply--are appended. (Author/CTM)
Authors
- Authorizing Institution
- California Univ., Los Angeles. Center for the Study of Evaluation.
- Peer Reviewed
- F
- Publication Type
- Books
- Published in
- United States of America
- Sponsor
- National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Table of Contents
- INSTITUTION 1
- PUB DATE 1
- DESCRIPTORS 1
- D000NENT RESUME 1
- California.Univ.Los Angeles A00-77-0034 1
- Center for the Study 1
- Abstract Reasoning Audiences bias 1
- Ivaluative Thinking Evaluttrs logic togical Thinking Matheiatical Models Models Persuasive 1
- Discourse Problem Solving Responsibility Summative 1
- Evaluation Values Glass Gene V Striven Michael 1
- IDENTIFIERS 1
- ABSTRACT 1
- Reprbductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can he made 1
- 44W4 1
- Chapter I 8
- THELOGIC. OF THE ARGUMENT 29
- A is greater than Cbut the basis of greater than is arguable. For 30
- AERA should b 41