Judging from the recent surge in research on outcomes assessment, many study abroad offices rely on quantitative surveys and measures to collect student outcomes data. This paper presents a multidimensional, qualitative approach to data collection. This approach makes qualitative data easy to collect and encourages students to reflect and…

This paper develops an empirical methodology for the construction of a synthetic multi-dimensional cross-country comparison of the performance of governments around the world in improving the livelihood of their younger population. The devised "Youth Welfare Index" is based on the nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology and…

This paper presents a theoretical construct that can be used to describe the implementation process of school programs in terms of a multi-dimensional model. Focusing on the research process of the Urban Education Studies, which is devoted to the identification and study of educational programs which are beginning to make inroads for the…

Utilizing social judgment theory, a method for eliciting opinions about the relative importance of multiple objectives, a model was developed to evaluate the performance of public agencies and programs. The model was then applied to the problem of establishing relative weights for six performance dimensions for a public agency. (Author/EGS)

DETECT, the acronym for Dimensionality Evaluation To Enumerate Contributing Traits, is an innovative and relatively new nonparametric dimensionality assessment procedure used to identify mutually exclusive, dimensionally homogeneous clusters of items using a genetic algorithm ( Zhang & Stout, 1999). Because the clusters of items are mutually…

Two quasiexperimental designs--nonequivalent dependent variable and reversed treatment designs--illustrate pattern matching logic as a basis for evaluation, examining college health services. Three pattern matches are significant: (1) program pattern match indicates implementation; (2) measurement match assesses test validity; and (3) effect…

Concept mapping is a structured conceptualization that can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework that guides evaluation or planning. Twelve papers discuss concept mapping in evaluation/planning in terms of theory development; measurement, construct validity, and pattern matching; outcome assessment and internal validity;…

Research explored methods of providing a coherent framework for the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) model which would promote better system evaluation, internal communications and student testing. Lists of critical tasks for two Air Force specialties were compiled and multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis employed to…