ONE SYSTEM, MANY PERSPECTIVES - STAKEHOLDERS AND MENTAL-HEALTH SYSTEMEVALUATION

The use of an action research model to integrate the perspective of mu ltiple stakeholders in the evaluation of a state's mental health refor m is described. The process of forming the evaluation team (a mix of u niversity and state legislative staff) is addressed in the context of the political and scientific nature of public systems evaluation. A br ief description of action research and its role in program evaluation provides the basis for discussing how the principles of action researc h were incorporated into the study, from the definition of research qu estions, to sampling, measurement, analysis and dissemination.