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Using Recommendations in Evaluation

A Decision-Making Framework for Evaluators

University of Pittsburgh, jeniriti{at}yahoo.com

William E. Bickel

University of Pittsburgh

Catherine Awsumb Nelson

Pittsburgh, PA

Is it appropriate and useful for evaluators to use findings to make recommendations? If so, under what circumstances? How specific should they be? This article presents a decision-making framework for the appropriateness of recommendations in varying contexts. On the basis of reviews of evaluation theory, selected evaluation reports, and feedback from American Evaluation Association presentations, the authors present a description of contextual variables likely to affect the making of recommendations (e.g., use context, evaluator role) and a typology of potential recommendations. To enhance the utility of the tools presented, the authors summarize the available literature and present key arguments for and against the provision of various types of recommendations in given contexts. This work is designed to be a step toward creating a more systematic process for considering the use of recommendations by providing evaluators with a comprehensive tool for reflection and decision making.

Key Words: recommendations • typology • role of evaluator • evaluator decision making • evaluation use

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