Data Talks

James Pann interviews Melanie Hwalek, Ph.D., a program evaluation consultant, to discuss the retrospective pretest (RPT) design, focusing on its practical applications and the findings from her recent research detailed in the paper, “Designing a Questionnaire with Retrospective PrePost Items: Format Matters.” RPT is particularly useful for evaluating changes in participants’ perceptions or self-assessments following...

David Fetterman is a leading expert in empowerment evaluation, an approach that emphasizes collaboration, participation, and capacity building. He has written extensively on the topic, and his work has been used in a wide range of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. David’s work focuses on helping people evaluate their programs and initiatives...

Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply someone passionate about youth development and educational programs, this podcast episode with Tiffany Berry, Ph.D., promises to give you insights into the complex world of evaluation. She is the Dean and a full research professor in the Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences at Claremont Graduate University,...

In this episode, I talk with Jim McDavid, Ph.D., about his experience with mindfulness and meditation practice, how it has influenced him, and how it affects how he views and practices evaluation. Our conversation also covers practical wisdom, Jim’s interest in the environment, and challenges associated with determining cause and effect in evaluation. Jim is...

In this podcast episode, James Pann, Ph.D., interviews Sheila Robinson, Ed.D., about the topic of surveys and response rates. We focus on the significance of response rates in surveys and the steps that can be taken to maximize them. Sheila is a career educator and professional learning designer with experience in K-12 public education and...

James Pann, Ph.D., interviews David Victorson, Ph.D., of True North Treks, a nonprofit organization whose… Continue reading Young Adults With Cancer Learn About Mindfulness & Connection During Nature Treks with David Victorson The post Young Adults With Cancer Learn About Mindfulness & Connection During Nature Treks with David Victorson appeared first on James Pann.

The difference between research and evaluation, the pros and cons of professionalization, the definition of… Continue reading What’s the difference between research and evaluation? with Dana Wanzer The post What’s the difference between research and evaluation? with Dana Wanzer appeared first on James Pann.

In this interview, I speak with Amy Gullickson, acting Co-Director and Senior Lecturer at the… Continue reading The Importance of How We Define Evaluation with Amy Gullickson The post The Importance of How We Define Evaluation with Amy Gullickson appeared first on James Pann.

Thomas Archibald, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural,… Continue reading Evaluative Thinking with Thomas Archibald The post Evaluative Thinking with Thomas Archibald appeared first on James Pann.

Rakesh Mohan has been the director of the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) an independent and nonpartisan agency of the Idaho State Legislature, since 2002. We cover important issues related to evaluation and how evaluation can guiding government and public policy.       Under Rakesh’s direction, the office has received many awards, including the...