Toward a Definition of Evaluation Within the Canadian Context

Who Knew This Would Be So Difficult?

Authors

  • Cheryl Poth University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Mary Kay Lamarche Canadian Evaluation Society, Ottawa, Ontario
  • Alvin Yapp University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Erin Sulla University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Cairine Chisamore Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.29.1.87

Keywords:

Canadian Evaluation Society, conference, definitions, literature scan, program evaluation

Abstract

This article describes the systematic examination and membership consultation process undertaken to define evaluation within the Canadian context. To that end, the article (a) presents the findings from a literature scan and analysis of social media postings, (b) considers the outcomes of the audience discussion during the presentation at the 2013 Canadian Evaluation Society conference, and (c) offers ideas for next steps. Together, the literature scan results, social media analysis, and membership discussion reveal that no single definition currently exists. Further, there are indications that a shared definition would be difficult to achieve within the Canadian evaluation community. Among the potential implications discussed is that a single definition might restrict or oversimplify the current scope of practice, given the wide range of contexts and purposes for evaluation in Canada.

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Published

2014-04-21

How to Cite

Poth, C., Lamarche, M. K., Yapp, A., Sulla, E., & Chisamore, C. (2014). Toward a Definition of Evaluation Within the Canadian Context: Who Knew This Would Be So Difficult?. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 29(1), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.29.1.87

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2014): Spring

Section

Research and Practice Notes

License

Copyright (c) 2014 Cheryl Poth, Mary Kay Lamarche, Alvin Yapp, Erin Sulla, Cairine Chisamore

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