CONSIDERING THE CASE AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATIONS OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS

• NCJ Number: 31574
• Journal: ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE QUARTERLY Volume: 15 Dated: (MARCH 1970) Pages: 110-113
• Author(s): D T CAMPBELL
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 4 pages
• Corporate Author: Cornell University
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE AUTHOR SUPPORTS USING 'HARD-HEADED' RESEARCH DESIGNS TO EVALUATE SOCIAL INNOVATIONS AND CRITICIZES CONTRARY SUGGESTIONS BY WEISS AND REIN.

Abstract

THE MAJOR DISAGREEMENT IS WITH THE CONCEPT OF THE EXPERIEMNTAL METHOD AND ALTERNATIVE METHODOLOGY PROPOSED. ACCORDING TO CAMPBELL, THERE IS STILL WIDESPREAD A MISLEADING FAITH IN OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS AND CRITERION VARIABLES. HE ARGUES THAT WE SHOULD ASPIRE TO MULTIPLE MODES OF MEASUREMENT, AS WELL AS MULTIPLE ASPECTS AND PERSPECTIVES. THIS WOULD INCLUDE LESS THAN PERFECT CONTROL GROUPS, NO-EFFECT OUTCOMES, AND A FOCUS ON PROCESS AND EFFECTS.