ERIC Number: ED314472
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Oct
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
From Qualitative to Quantitative and Back Again: Philosophical and Methodological Transitions.
Fetterman, David M.
Allegations by a resigning employee of intimidation, cover-up, unethical behavior, legal violations, waste, and mismanagement were investigated at a major university, relying on confidential interviews and a review of relevant documentation. The case study of this evaluation illustrates the advantages of a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches in evaluation and audit. Confidential interviews with 16 health and safety professional staff members were charted to graphically illustrate staff concerns and were categorized for relevant issues. The external view of the evaluator was juxtaposed against the internal views of staff. Both internal and external evaluators found evidence of some waste and mismanagement. The external evaluator thought that there had been one instance in which the university acted unethically, but found no evidence of a cover-up; staff members recognized no examples of unethical action, but some believed there might have been a cover-up. These apparent contradictions represented weaknesses in communication among all parties, rather than the lack of reality of the insiders' viewpoints. Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches enhanced the usefulness and accuracy of the evaluation. Three illustrative figures are provided. (SLD)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A