Monitoring and Evaluation of Practice and Methods in Applied Social Research is a comprehensive guide delving into the core concepts, tools, methods, and approaches of M&E. This book reveals the roots of monitoring and evaluation, illustrating its evolution from academia into a burgeoning field of science across various contexts. The challenge practitioners face lies in the inconsistent terminology used for identical concepts among humanitarian organizations, hindering the growth of M&E through shared learning. Embracing an abductive approach, this book seeks to establish monitoring and evaluation as distinct fields within social research. In doing so, bridges the philosophical gap between novice and expert social researchers and provides a consolidated resource based on real-world experiences. Written by an expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in applied social research, this book serves as an invaluable tool, offering insights into the diverse landscape of M&E, enabling students and practitioners to navigate various contexts with ease. NGOs, UN bodies, and organizations involved in M&E will also find this book instrumental, creating a bridge of standardized concepts, nomenclature, and approaches.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Practice and Methods in Applied Social Research is a comprehensive guide delving into the core concepts, tools, methods, and approaches of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). This book reveals the roots of M&E, illustrating its evolution from academia into a burgeoning field of science across various contexts. The challenge practitioners face lies in the inconsistent terminology used for identical concepts among humanitarian organizations, hindering the growth of M&E through shared learning. Embracing an abductive approach, this book seeks to establish M&E as distinct fields within social research. In doing so, it bridges the philosophical gap between novice and expert social researchers and provides a consolidated resource based on real-world experiences. Written by an expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in applied social research, this book serves as an invaluable tool, offering insights into the diverse landscape of M&E, enabling students and practitioners to navigate various contexts with ease. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations (UN) bodies, and organizations involved in M&E will also find this book instrumental, creating a bridge of standardized concepts, nomenclature, and approaches.

The second edition of the Impact Evaluation in Practice handbook is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to impact evaluation for policy makers and development practitioners. First published in 2011, it has been used widely across the development and academic communities. The book incorporates real-world examples to present practical guidelines for designing and implementing impact evaluations. Readers will gain an understanding of impact evaluations and the best ways to use them to design evidence-based policies and programs. The updated version covers the newest techniques for evaluating programs and includes state-of-the-art implementation advice, as well as an expanded set of examples and case studies that draw on recent development challenges. It also includes new material on research ethics and partnerships to conduct impact evaluation. The handbook is divided into four sections: Part One discusses what to evaluate and why; Part Two presents the main impact evaluation methods; Part Three addresses how to manage impact evaluations; Part Four reviews impact evaluation sampling and data collection. Case studies illustrate different applications of impact evaluations. The book links to complementary instructional material available online, including an applied case as well as questions and answers. The updated second edition will be a valuable resource for the international development community, universities, and policy makers looking to build better evidence around what works in development.

Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods is a comprehensive, intelligent & authoritative guide to researchers who need to select & use the most suitable approach, specific designs, & data collection procedures for their applied research.

Essential management guidance for real-world applied research projects Managing Applied Social Research equips you with the skills, strategies, and knowledge you need to effectively manage research projects. Written by a team of nationally-known researchers, this book covers the systematic management of applied social research studies from 'soup to nuts,' providing researchers with an easy-to-follow process and the tools and templates for improving the quality, ethical conduct, and usefulness of the final products. The authors merge expertise adapted from the field of project management with their decades of experience in using established research methodologies and practices to offer readers; practical examples and insights gleaned from major research houses such as Rand, Urban Institute, Mathematica, American Institutes for Research, and others. Key concepts and methodologies are systematically unpacked, with detailed discussion of both theoretical bases and practical applications in the field. Written in plain English, the case studies and vignettes illustrate typical approaches to different scenarios, and the checklists, templates, and other tools provide guides for action. Starting from basic social research strategies, you'll build an understanding of applied research issues and how projects are best managed in a messy, imperfect world. From conceptualization and proposal through implementation, analysis, and reporting, this book helps you lead your projects to success. Learn the skills and concepts necessary to effectively manage applied research projects for the social science disciplines Anticipate and prepare for common challenges and obstacles Understand the various roles and their requisite tasks and responsibilities Learn strategies for making effective decisions about a study's scope, work, schedule, people, budget, and risks during each phase of the research study Social science research is an essential well of information upon which society is run. Proper management is the key to any research project's success, and success becomes more critical in the field given the potential ramifications in terms of policy and its effects on real, everyday people. Managing Applied Social Research provides sound guidance and expert insight with an essential real-world focus.

Providing students and practitioners with a comprehensive introduction to evaluation research, this book shows how social research methods and methodologies can be applied in a variety of evaluation contexts. The author: - illustrates the contribution both quantitative and qualitative methods can make to evaluation; - stresses the important part played by theory in the evaluation enterprise; - introduces some of the conceptual, methodological and practical problems encountered when undertaking this type of applied research, especially in the areas of criminal justice, health care and education.

This Handbook addresses the methodology of social science research and the appropriate use of different methods.