Approaches to evaluation: how to measure change when utilizing creative approaches
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2014
Authors
Chonody, J.
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Chonody, J.M.
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Book chapter
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Source details - Title: Community art: creative approaches to practice, 2014 / Chonody, J.M. (ed./s), Ch.14, pp.202-221
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Abstract
An increasing need to show evidence of effective practice is a reality for many practitioners. Funders may require that practitioners show how their methods are creating change or improving the lives of those engaged at their agency or organization. Thus the funding needs and aims of the agency will likely guide there search questions and the methods used to answer those questions. For those practitioners who are not under this type of pressure, they may also want to know if their approaches are leading to change, as this is one aspect of ethical practice.A variety of methods are available for collecting and analyzing data from the simple to complex. Depending on one's needs and training, outside researchers may be necessary to implement a full-scale investigation. Partnerships with researchers/academic faculty from a local university or institute may be one route for help with an evaluation. Grant writing and the inclusion of doctoral students/candidates or honor's students may be other avenues for involving university staff and faculty in a community-based project. A good place to start is with one question: "What do I want to know?" For example, the practitioner may want to know: "Have participants changed?" Naturally following this question may be: "If participants have changed, in what way have they changed?" Alternatively, the practitioner may want to know: "Does this program work?" or"Has the community responded to this project?" Once the primary research question has been formulated, the practitioner will then need to consider the best way to answer it.
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Copyright 2014 Jill M. Chonody