Justifying conclusions in naturalistic evaluations: An interpretive perspective

Abstract

Use of an interpretive perspective in naturalistic inquiry is one way to reconcile assumptions and practice in naturalistic evaluations, particularly concerning the justification of evaluation conclusions. In this paper I conclude that naturalistic evaluation based on an interpretive perspective cannot appeal to external methodological criteria, like trustworthiness criteria, for protection against bias in reaching evaluation conclusions. I suggest that claims for evaluation conclusions depend on the evaluator as interpreter — using his or her skills of persuasion and analysis to mediate among perspectives, selected evidence and claims for conclusions.