jamorell Agent-based Modeling as an Evaluation Tool

Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives — the Movie

I have a few blog posts on a modeling methodology called SCAMP (Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives). Simulation Using Events and Goals – A New Approach to Agent-based Modeling Social Causality with Agents using Multiple Perspectives: A Novel Approach to Understanding Network-based Social Phenomena SCAMP is different because it models events and relationships … Continue reading Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives — the Movie

jamorell Evaluation Use and Misuse

Second Installment: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good

I just read all the candidates’ statements on AEA’s 2022 election ballot. It got me to thinking a bit more about my  previous blog post: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good. Five notions ended up mingling:          facts, ·        democracy, ·        social justice, ·        stakeholder diversity, and ·        James Madison’s 1788 opinion about factions. … Continue reading Second Installment: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good

jamorell Coordination in organizations

System Perspectives by Donors, Not Why, but How

We generate many pixels (no ink anymore) on how to help donors adopt systems perspectives. What is missing from this discussion is rigorous analysis of why they don’t. If we want to help our stakeholders and do better evaluation, we should pursue this question. Donors understand themselves.I have  no doubt that donors know better. I … Continue reading System Perspectives by Donors, Not Why, but How

jamorell Complex Systems, Programs, and Evaluation, Practical Ways to use Complexity to do Evaluation, Program Theory and Program Logic, Uncategorized

A Complexity-based Plan for Evaluating Transformation

Jonathan A. Morelljamorell@jamorell.com This is the abstract of a paper I have in draft form. I'm looking for critique on any or all parts of it. If you are interested please send me email and I'll send you a copy. Thanks in advance to all. Abstract This article presents a case for more rigorous application … Continue reading A Complexity-based Plan for Evaluating Transformation

jamorell Complex Systems, Programs, and Evaluation, Practical Ways to use Complexity to do Evaluation, Uncategorized

Why do Evaluators Need to Understand Complexity?

This is the title of a blog post I wrote for the International Evaluation Academy. The blog opens with: Evaluators need to know more about complexity because the programs they evaluate often exhibit complex behaviors. Without understanding complexity, evaluators cannot construct models, develop methodologies, and interpret data in ways that accurately describe what programs are … Continue reading Why do Evaluators Need to Understand Complexity?

jamorell Uncategorized, What do research and theory in complexity and systems tell us about evaluation practice and evaluation theory?

How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation?

 I’m considering pitching a special  issue to an evaluation journal titled: How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation? I have not committed to this project yet, but I do want to get the idea out there. I’m looking for: 1)  critique of this idea, 2) specific topics to cover, 3) friendly … Continue reading How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation?

jamorell Contributions of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

Evolutionary and Ecological Constructs that may be Useful in Evaluation

I have been working on a research proposal to study whether and how constructs from Evolutionary Biology and Ecology might be useful in Evaluation. This is the second of two posts that come from the  introductory material in the first proposal. The first is: Evolutionary and Ecological Thinking – Escaping Disciplinary Boundaries.

jamorell Contributions of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

Evolutionary and Ecological Thinking – Escaping Disciplinary Boundaries

I have been working on a research proposal to study whether and how constructs from Evolutionary Biology and Ecology might be useful in Evaluation. This is the first of two posts that come from some of the  introductory material in the proposal. The second is: Evolutionary and Ecological Constructs that may be Useful in Evaluation.