EVALUATION USE - THEORY, RESEARCH, AND PRACTICE SINCE 1986

As part of a larger effort by members of the American Evaluation Assoc iation (AEA) Topical Interest Group on Evaluation Use (TIG-EU), we und ertook an extensive review and synthesis of literature in evaluation u se published since 1986. We observe several recent developments in the ory, research and practice arising from this literature. These develop ments include: the rise of considerations of context as critical to un derstanding and explaining use; identification of process use as a sig nificant consequence of evaluation activity; expansion of conceptions of use from the individual to the organization level; and diversificat ion of the role of the evaluator to facilitator, planner and educator/ trainer. In addition, understanding misutlitization has emerged as a s ignificant focus for theory and to a limited extent, research. The art icle concludes with a summary of contemporary issues, particularly wit h regard to their implications for evaluation practice.