Developing Critical Evaluation

Abstract

Drawing upon the experience of the Social Welfare Research Unit in undertaking evaluations with public-sector organizations and projects, this paper contributes to the development of a critical methodology for evaluation. The Unit undertakes research and evaluation to promote social welfare. Researching for change for the better involves us in critical social research methodologies, engaging in research and evaluation to contribute to changing policies and practices. The research program of the Unit is eclectic in its methods, analysing data both quantitatively and qualitatively, drawing upon feminist methodologies and upon the contribution to research methodology made by new social movements such as disability research (e.g. Oliver, I992). This paper is concerned with evaluation methodology. Its purpose is to explore ways in which evaluation may be developed as critical, informed by critical social research methodologies and by postmodernist approaches to discourse and values.