The Garden of Evaluation Approaches

Abstract

Evaluation competency frameworks across the globe regard evaluation approaches as important to know and use in practice. Prior classifications have been developed to aid in understanding important differences among varying approaches. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity for a new classification of evaluation approaches, in particular one that is practitioner-oriented, intended to guide decision-making in practice, and inclusive of all scholarship. The evaluation garden presented in this article begins to map approaches against eight dimensions of practice and situates them in their philosophical orientations and methodological dispositions. This allows for approach comparison, a more nuanced understanding of where they overlap and differ, and how and where they can be intentionally combined. The goal is to offer a visual classification that addresses prior criticisms, that is of use to a wide range of audiences, and that helps evaluation practitioners be able to more easily integrate evaluation approaches in practice.