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A reinforcement exchange analysis of the power aspects of program evaluation

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Abstract

Power, examined within a reinforcement exchange model, is proposed as an essential dynamism through which program evaluation is mounted, executed, and utilized. The ability of the program evaluator to influence or control the policies or operations of the evaluatee depends chiefly on an exchange of behaviors which nets all participants of the evaluation interaction a fair and sufficient “payoff” in terms of contingent reinforcements. Other contextual features of program evaluation, particularly those that constrain on utilization of the recommendations, are briefly discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida International University, Tamiami Trail, 33199, Miami, Florida

    Bernard Saper Ph.D.

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  1. Bernard Saper Ph.D.
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Saper, B. A reinforcement exchange analysis of the power aspects of program evaluation. Psych Quart 50, 228–236 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064713

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064713

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