Michael Quinn Patton

Definition

Michael Quinn Patton is a prominent figure in the field of evaluation, known for his contributions to qualitative research methods and utilization-focused evaluation. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and complexities of human behavior in evaluations, especially in qualitative approaches like in-depth interviews and focus groups. Patton's methods prioritize the needs of stakeholders, ensuring that evaluation results are relevant and useful for decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Michael Quinn Patton has authored several influential books on evaluation, including 'Utilization-Focused Evaluation' which outlines his approach to making evaluations more relevant and useful.
2. He pioneered the concept of utilization-focused evaluation, which encourages evaluators to consider who will use the findings and how they will be applied in practice.
3. Patton advocates for qualitative methods, particularly emphasizing the value of in-depth interviews and focus groups to capture rich, detailed insights from participants.
4. His work highlights the need for flexibility in evaluation designs to adapt to the unique contexts and needs of different programs and their stakeholders.
5. Patton's principles encourage collaboration between evaluators and stakeholders, fostering an environment where feedback is integral to shaping evaluation processes.

Review Questions

• How does Michael Quinn Patton's emphasis on utilization-focused evaluation influence the way evaluations are conducted?
  • Michael Quinn Patton's focus on utilization-driven evaluation changes how evaluators approach their work by prioritizing the needs of stakeholders. This approach encourages evaluators to engage with users early on to determine what information will be most valuable for decision-making. As a result, evaluations become more relevant and actionable, aligning closely with what stakeholders need rather than merely producing reports that may not be utilized.
• Discuss how Michael Quinn Patton’s contributions to qualitative research methods enhance our understanding of participant perspectives in focus groups.
  • Michael Quinn Patton's contributions to qualitative research methods enhance our understanding of participant perspectives by advocating for a nuanced exploration of experiences through in-depth interviews and focus groups. He emphasizes the importance of context, encouraging evaluators to capture rich narratives that reveal underlying motivations and feelings. This approach allows evaluators to gain deeper insights into how participants perceive and engage with programs, leading to more meaningful conclusions.
• Evaluate the impact of stakeholder engagement on the outcomes of evaluations as suggested by Michael Quinn Patton’s methodologies.
  • Stakeholder engagement significantly impacts evaluation outcomes according to Michael Quinn Patton’s methodologies by fostering a collaborative environment where feedback directly shapes the evaluation process. By involving stakeholders throughout the evaluation, evaluators can ensure that the questions asked are relevant and reflective of stakeholder concerns. This engagement not only increases the likelihood that findings will be used but also enriches the data collected, ultimately leading to more effective program improvements based on insights gathered from those most affected.

Related terms

Utilization-Focused Evaluation: An evaluation approach that centers on the intended use of evaluation findings by stakeholders, ensuring that results inform decisions and improve programs.

Qualitative Research: A research method that seeks to understand human behavior through in-depth exploration of people's experiences, often using interviews and focus groups as primary data collection techniques.

Stakeholder Engagement: The process of involving individuals or groups who have an interest in a program or evaluation, ensuring their perspectives and needs are considered throughout the evaluation process.