Evaluability Assessment Thesis and Dissertation Studies in Graduate Professional Degree Programs

Abstract

Evaluability assessment (EA) has potential as a design option for thesis and dissertation studies, serving as a practical training experience for both technical and nontechnical evaluation skills. Based on a content review of a sample of EA theses and dissertations from graduate professional degree programs, the authors of this article found that some technical skills, such as understanding the knowledge base of evaluation, evaluation design, qualitative methods, identifying data sources, data collection, and data analysis, were demonstrated through the EA thesis and dissertation studies. However, the review also indicated a lack of understanding of EA and its essential elements and application of standards of quality evaluation. Recommendations are offered to enhance the quality of EA theses and dissertations, the learning experiences of students, and, ultimately, evaluation capacity building.