Skip to main content
Article
An Assessment of Goal-Free Evaluation: Case Studies of Four Goal-Free Evaluations
Evaluation and Program Planning (2014)
  • Brandon W. Youker, Ph.D
  • Allyssa Ingraham, BS, Grand Valley State University
  • Nicholas Bayer, BS, Grand Valley State University
Abstract

This article provides a descriptive review of four goal-free program evaluations (GFE). GFE is an evaluation model where the independent evaluator is intentionally screened from the program’s stated goals and objectives in hopes of reducing potential goal-related tunnel vision. The findings from these GFE case studies are focused in three areas: (1) elements of the programs that were evaluated and their existing evaluation contexts (e.g., pre-evaluation conditions, size of evaluation budget), (2) design of the GFEs (e.g., screening method, data collection methods), and (3) expertise of the goal-free evaluators (e.g., training, degrees attained). The findings indicate that, when employed, GFE is used as a qualitative data collection method; and the GFEs conducted have been relatively small in size and scope. The conclusions are that a more explicit operationalization of GFE is needed for increased use, and that systematic and empirical study comparing GFE with other evaluation models is warranted.

Keywords
  • Goal-free,
  • evaluation,
  • case study
Publication Date
Fall October, 2014
Citation Information
Brandon W. Youker, Allyssa Ingraham and Nicholas Bayer. "An Assessment of Goal-Free Evaluation: Case Studies of Four Goal-Free Evaluations" Evaluation and Program Planning Vol. 46 (2014)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/brandon_youker/19/