Lecture on Principles Focused Evaluation by Michael Quinn Patton

Introduction

• Speaker: Michael Quinn Patton
• Topic: Principles Focused Evaluation
• Structure: Divided into three parts
  • Part 1 covers overarching questions, definitions, examples, and purposes.
  • Part 2 discusses Principles vs. Rules, examples, and the GUIDE framework.
  • Part 3 includes major and minor examples of principles-focused evaluation.

Part 1: Foundations of Principles Focused Evaluation

Key Concepts

• Principles Around Us: Principles guide behavior in personal, organizational, and programmatic contexts.
• Overarching Evaluation Questions:
  1. Are principles meaningful?
  2. Are principles adhered to?
  3. What results from following the principles?
• Effectiveness Principles: Hypothetical guides for desired outcomes, requiring evaluation.
• Crafting Principles: Similar to setting clear goals, requires clarity for evaluation.

Examples and Case Studies

• Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa: Principles-driven process of forgiveness and reconciliation led by Mandela and Tutu.
• Transformative Social Movements: Problem-focused, principles-driven initiatives like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Grameen Bank.

Part 2: Principles vs. Rules, Examples, and the GUIDE Framework

Principles vs. Rules

• Rules: Clear, specific directives (e.g., stop at stop signs).
• Principles: Provide guidance and require contextual interpretation (e.g., defensive driving).
• Examples of Transition: From "No screens under age 2" to "No screens under age 2 without interaction."

The GUIDE Framework

• Five Criteria for Principles:
  • Guidance: Directional with clear alternatives.
  • Useful: Points towards desired results.
  • Inspiring: Value-based and meaningful.
  • Developmental: Adaptable and enduring.
  • Evaluable: Can be documented and judged.

Part 3: Major Examples of Principles Focused Evaluation

Case Studies and Applications

• Youth Homelessness Programs: Evaluated principles like trusting relationships and trauma-informed care.
• Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness: Evaluated principles like country ownership and alignment.
• Global Alliance for the Future of Food: Uses principles to guide sustainable food systems transformation.

Other Examples

• After-School Programs: Integration of cultural principles like Kwanzaa principles and Ojibwe values.

Conclusion

• Principles guide actions and decisions in complex systems.
• They provide direction but require adaptation and judgment.
• Principles-focused evaluation assesses the meaningfulness, adherence, and results of principles.

Key Takeaways

• Principles are both the "destination and the compass."
• Evaluation strengthens adherence to principles by providing feedback.
• Principles-focused evaluation is a tool for navigating dynamic systems and guiding programmatic effectiveness.