Citation

Klein R. Eval. Program Plann. 1982; 5(2): 133-140.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0149-7189(82)90020-9

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between evaluation as a meta- and as a technical activity in the field of social policy, with special reference to the British experience. Evaluation as a meta-activity is defined to be the analysis of the values and criteria to be used: a process which assumes that the definition of problems is itself problematic. Evaluation as a technical activity is defined to be the application of agreed criteria to agreed policy problems. From this distinction, it is argued, some important implications flow for the role of the universities and the funding of research.