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Evaluation of large research initiatives: Outcomes, challenges, and methodological considerations
Author(s) -
Quinlan Kathleen M.,
Kane Mary,
Trochim William M. K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new directions for evaluation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.374
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1534-875X
pISSN - 1097-6736
DOI - 10.1002/ev.261
Subject(s) - management science , participatory evaluation , triangulation , face (sociological concept) , computer science , scale (ratio) , citizen journalism , evaluation methods , program evaluation , politics , engineering ethics , data science , sociology , political science , public administration , social science , engineering , physics , cartography , quantum mechanics , world wide web , law , reliability engineering , geography
The authors synthesize relevant literature and findings of evaluations of four large‐scale, federally funded scientific research programs in the United States to identify desired outcomes of these types of programs, major evaluation chal‐lenges, and methodological principles and approaches. Evaluators face numer‐ous contextual, political, and methodological challenges in evaluating big science. The authors propose that these may be addressed through participatory planning, such as concept mapping, triangulation of evidence, use of promising methodologies, and a systems approach. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.