Evaluation as Social Technology
Chapter 5 from: Program evaluation In social research Full chapter
• Introduction
• Why Is Social Research Not Relevant
• A Framework for Solutions
• Differences between Science and Technology
• Advantages of Evaluation as Social Technology
• Interrelationships between Science and Technology
So far I have argued that the value of outcome evaluation can be increased if type, validity, and usefulness are considered separately as distinct aspects of any given evaluation plan. Each of these three elements contains implications for the other two, but those implications will not be clear unless each component part is analyzed separately. There is another aspect of the problem which must also be considered, namely, the basic philosophical model of knowledge seeking upon which outcome evaluation is based. This is a consideration which cuts across elements of type, validity and usefulness, and deals with basic approaches to social research. How are questions formulated? How are variables chosen? What decision rules are used to weigh evidence, draw conclusions, and make recommendations? The answers to these questions reflect a philosophical model of research, and the model chosen can have far-reaching effects on the ultimate value of any research project. There are three main aspects to the argument about to be developed. First, there are crucial differences between scientific and technological models of knowledge development. Second, these differences have profound implications for the practical value of research. Third, evaluation is far more of a technological than a scientific pursuit.
Evaluation Uncertainty 
ABSTRACT FROM BACKGROUND DOC
Modeling evaluation on the technological system merely imposes on the
researcher precisely the same constraints and sensitivities which are
encountered by those who, with or without the use of research, will seek
solutions to genuine societal problems. Scientists do not have those
constraints, or at least, are rewarded for avoiding them. Thus while the
scientific model is inherently irrelevant to practical issues, the technological
model is, by its nature, responsive to changes in the need for practical
solutions to practical problems. Just as planners are rewarded for their
responsiveness to solutions to new problems which may arise, so too are
technologists rewarded for the same responsiveness. In sum, the technological
model of research is likely to bring the “research culture” and the general
societal culture into alignment.
COMMENT
Evaluation historically took root from diverse disciplnes – Tests and Measurement in statistics, social sciences and education. in practical terms, it applies principles such as the measurement of efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, cost benefit analysis, impact and sustainability. Issues such as validity, reliability and precision of testing has been difficult to apply to field evaluation approaches and operation research is more of theoritical framework
The inclusion of evaluation as technology is good and could be an addendum to the fields that evaluation can be integrated and not solely. That could resolve issues such as lack of rigorous research if embedded in technology and perhaps that could facilitate more effective evaluation.and participatory approaches. I think
Victoria Taiwo Obasaju-Ayo