… I have now added to the Outcomes Theory Knowledge Base a set of definitions as they are used in outcomes theory. One reason the area of outcomes and evaluation suffers from major problems with language is because of the large number of disciplines which have an interest in outcomes and evaluation. They all come at the area with slightly different sets of terminology…

…The push for evidence-based policy stands in sharp contrast to data-free evaluation. By and large, there is much to be admired in evidence-based approaches. Certainly, if one has evidence one should consider it to the extent that it is deemed relevant and trustworthy. Yet relying only on available evidence can prevent us from imagining new and better solutions. Given that we have been using a limited repertoire of solutions to solve social problems that have plagued humankind for millennia, innovation is sorely needed. Data-free evaluation offers an advantage over all other forms of evaluation in this regard because it is a practical application of the scientific imagination…

Congratulations David and Abe! The American Journal of Evaluation (AJE) remains a publication of choice for top authors to submit their writing. The top 10 most accessed AJE articles online: [#1] Empowerment Evaluation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, by D. Fetterman, A Wandersman, June 2007…

One of the principles of outcomes theory is that if you want groups of stakeholders to not have a complete understanding of what is happening as an outcomes model plays out, you try to suppress information about indicators of outcomes which are heading in the wrong direction. There is currently a story in the media about a UK officer being arrested in Afghanistan for allegedly supplying civilian casualty figures to a human rights campaigner…Apparently the soldier in question, if convicted of breaching the Official Secrets Act, could face up to 14 years in prison…