ERIC Number: ED114431
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1975-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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A Social Systems Approach to Evaluation Research.
Olien, C. N.; And Others
An information-control systems model for evaluation of adult education programs is offered and illustrated. The model is based upon identifying principal subsystems, such as source, channel and audience, which are involved in initiation, production, delivery and reception of educational messages. These subsystems are seen as separate but interdependent, having the power singly or jointly to make crucial decisions about generation, dissemination or withholding of information. The extent to which these subsystems may in fact exert such controls has been demonstrated in a variety of research studies, many in the mass communication area. Specific application of the model is illustrated in the evaluation of the "Mulligan Stew" television series which, although directed at a young audience, has implications for evaluation of any adult education program which involves extensive use of the mass communications media. The study included before-after student responses in eight schools and estimates of such response from nutrition specialists, information specialists, television station personnel, and teachers. In terms of final outcome, the Mulligan Stew results generally and strongly support the information control systems model, and testify to its utility in evaluational research. (RC)
Descriptors: Adult Education, Adult Programs, Audiences, Delivery Systems, Educational Television, Elementary Education, Evaluation, Information Dissemination, Mass Media, Models, Nutrition Instruction, Organization, Prediction, Program Evaluation, Research, Social Action, Social Systems, Student Reaction, Systems Analysis
Publication Type: Reports - Research
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