Abstract
The skills gained from an education in sociology make for those of a great evaluator. This article describes how my theoretical and methodological training in sociology has impacted my current position in evaluation at a large research-focused university. In addition to the importance of quality training, I also discuss how universities and agencies can work together to create successful partnerships for program evaluations. My position as an evaluator in the university, however, is not without its challenges. I discuss my views on how evaluators are viewed by other academics and why I remain dedicated to being both a sociologist and an evaluator.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bakken, L. L., Núñez, J., & Couture, C. (2014). A course model for building evaluation capacity through a university-community partnership. American Journal of Evaluation, 35(4), 579–593.
Bossard, J. H. (1932). Applied sociology and major social problems. Social Forces, 11(2), 188–190.
Cambell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (1966). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research. Skokie, IL: Rand McNally.
Chaplin, L. (1981). Applied social science. Science, 212, 1449.
Chen, H., & Rossi, P. (1980). The multi-goal, theory-driven approach to evaluation: A model linking basic and applied social science. Social Forces, 59(1), 106–122.
Cohen, A. C. (2011). Investigating the apathy toward applied sociology. Journal of Applied Social Science, 5(2), 53–65.
Gargani, J. (2013). What can practitioners learn from theorists’ logic models? Evaluation and Program Planning, 38, 81–88.
Lavelle, J. M., & Donaldson, S. I. (2010). University-based evaluation training programs in the United States 1980–2008: An empirical examination. American Journal of Evaluation, 31(1), 9–23.
Marx, K. (1978). [1845]. Theses on Feuerbach. In R. C. Tucker (Ed.), The Marx-Engels reader (pp. 143–145). New York: W.W. Norton.
Miller, R. L., & Campbell, R. (2006). Taking stock of empowerment evaluation. American Journal of Evaluation, 27(3), 296–319.
Petersen, J. C., Dukes, D., & Van Valey, T. L. (2008). Alternative futures for applied sociology. Journal of Applied Social Science, 2(2), 77–84.
Rodabough, T. (2005). An academic model for community based research. Journal of Applied Social Science, 22(1), 1–15.
Rossi, P. H., & Wright, J. D. (1984). Evaluation research: An assessment. Annual Review of Sociology, 10(1), 331–352.
Spalter-Roth, R. (2007). Sociologists in research, applied, and policy settings: Bringing professionals in from the cold. Journal of Applied Social Science, 1(2), 4–18.
Weinstein, J. (2000). A (further) comment on the differences between applied and academic sociology. Contemporary Sociology, 29(2), 344–347.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sutphin, S.T. The Impact of Sociology in My Role as an Evaluator. Am Soc 46, 518–523 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-015-9276-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-015-9276-7