An Ecological Systems Approach To Evaluation

Abstract

The use of systems terms and ecological concepts is increasingly common in psychology, and particularly in community psychology Researchers engaged in evaluation studies within community psychology are encouraged to consider four consequences of the eco logical-systems orientation: (1) reformulation and reconceptualization of the evaluation question; (2) shift of research design in the direction of complexity and flexibility; (3) shift of measurement toward multiple, qualitative, and quantitative measures; and (4) relativis tic, perspectival interpretation of results. Each of these consequences is illustrated with reference to the evaluation of a mobile counseling project