PURPOSE:

To determine the worth, value or merit of whatever it is we wish to evaluate. Something is being evaluated for some purpose in some context. The overall purpose is to obtain information which will help us improve performance.

• QUESTION AT ISSUE:

The central evaluation question is, what is the value, worth, or merit of _____________? Or, how well was _______________ done, accomplished, achieved. Or to what degree was the purpose accomplished or the goal met.

• DATA OR INFORMATION:

Relevant measurements, test scores, facts, objects, performances, that bear on the question at issue. The facts we need about the object, act, or person being evaluated that enable us to determine the extent to which it measures up to the appropriate standard.

• CONCEPTS:

Evaluation, value, degree of attainment, criteria for assigning value or worth, measurability, qualitative versus quantitative. (but not subject preference). The concept of determining the value of something using appropriate standards. The concept of different types of standards. Intellectual standards.

• ASSUMPTIONS:

Assigning value is worthwhile. What is important can be evaluated. We know what is important or essential. Our criteria are relevant. Our tools for evaluating are accurate. We assume that "things" have diverse value and that we have the capacity to gather the relevant facts and apply the appropriate standards to make sound evaluative judgments.

• JUDGMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS:

The implication of the data for a judgment as to how well the purpose was achieved or which allows us to assign a value to __________________.

• IMPLICATIONS:

If the evaluation indicates that the purpose is not being achieved we must change our behavior or redefine our purpose. High evaluation scores imply we have achieved our purpose. Poor evaluation (i.e., evaluation that is not relevant, accurate, etc.) implies people will make incorrect and/or unfortunate choices. If we accurately assess the information, we will arrive at sound evaluative judgments of importance to us in our lives and work.

• POINT OF VIEW:

Someone who desires improved performance. Someone who thinks thinking/learning can and should be improved. Someone who takes the purpose seriously. Someone who restricts judgment to facts appropriately gathered and standards relevant to the purpose. Looking at particular things, or things in general, from the point of view of their relative value, worth, or merit.