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The Role of Evaluation in Research-Practice Integration: Working Toward the "Golden Spike

Author
Trochim, William
Abstract
Program evaluation and planning is at the heart of efforts to integrate the domains of practice and
research. Traditionally, research and practice have operated in independent spheres with
practitioners focused on the implementation of programs that affect individual behavior and
researchers focused on the development and testing of theory. Evidence-based practice (EBP),
practice-based evidence, and translational research have attempted to unite these worlds, and
although significant advances have been made, there is a continued need to find mechanisms that
enable a seamless connection between knowledge generation and application. We propose a
method that builds on the traditions of theory-driven evaluation, logic modeling, and systems science
and uses evaluation and program planning as the bridging mechanism between research and practice.
Included in this approach are methods that aid in the explicit expression of implicit theories, management
of evaluation resources, and linkage of program theory and evaluation measures to a
research evidence base.
Date Issued
2009Subject
Policy Analysis and Management
Previously Published As
American Journal of Evaluation, 30(4), 538-553
Type
article