Evaluation Research Methods - JSM042

• Title: Evaluation Research Methods
• Guaranteed by: Department of Sociology (23-KS)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2024
• Semester: winter
• E-Credits: 7
• Examination process: winter s.:
• Hours per week, examination: winter s.:1/1, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: 12 / unknown (4)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment; priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan
• Guarantor: Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Jiří Remr, Ph.D.
• Class: Courses for incoming students

Annotation

This course is specifically designed to equip students with the fundamental principles of evaluation. Immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience that unravels the nature and meaning of evaluation, its methodologies and practical applications.

Throughout the course, you will gain in-depth knowledge of various evaluation methods, explore typical evaluation issues, and delve into the nuances of evaluation processes. Special emphasis is placed on key evaluation-specific topics such as stakeholder engagement, the logic model, theory of change, and meta-evaluation.

By the end of this journey, you will not only understand the core principles, but be able to apply them to real-world scenarios. Whether you're an aspiring evaluator, researcher, or policymaker, this course promises to take your understanding of evaluation to a whole new level.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Aim of the course

Course objectives:

This course has multiple student learning objectives. Students will be expected to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
     a) To understand the nature and purpose of evaluation
     b) To learn evaluation concepts/vocabulary/terminology
     c) To understand wide array of evaluation theory and practice
     d) To grasp fundamental methodology of evaluation
     e) To understand the key distinctions between evaluation and surveys, auditing, etc.

This class meets in Jinonice building, room B228, from 11:00 to 12:20 on Thursdays beginning on October 2, 2025 and ending on December 18, 2025.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Course completion requirements

Examination:

Students are required to complete mid-term and final tests (closed-book exam; single best answers).

Grading:

     91-100 % = A

     81-90 % = B

     71-80 % = C

     61-70 % = D

     51-60 % = E

     < 50 % = F (failed; not passed)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Literature

Required readings:

Morra Imas, L. G., Rist, R. C. (2009). The Road to Results : Designing and Conducting Effective Development Evaluations. Washington, World Bank.

Alkin, M. C. (2011). Evaluation essentials: From A to Z. New York, NY: The. Guilford Press.

 

Additional readings:

Owen, J.M., 2006. Program Evaluation. Forms and Approaches. New York, The Guilford Press.

Rossi, P.H., Lipsey, M.W., Freeman, H.E., 2004. Evaluation. A Systematic Approach. London, Sage Publications.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Syllabus

Main topics:

Lecture 01: Course overview; introduction to evaluation

Lecture 02: Key principles of evaluative thinking

Lecture 03: Types of evaluation

Lecture 04: Logic models; criteria used in evaluation

Lecture 05: Evaluation questions

Lecture 06: Dealing with stakeholders in evaluations

Lecture 07: Mid-term test (November 13, 2025)

Lecture 08: Evaluation of results

Lecture 09: Evaluation specific methods

Lecture 10: Evaluation approaches

Lecture 11: Ethics of evaluation and evaluation standards

Lecture 12: Final test (December 18, 2025)

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (16.09.2025)

Learning outcomes

This course aims to help students understand the nature and purpose of evaluation. Students will learn evaluation concepts, vocabulary, and terminology; understand a wide array of evaluation theories and practices; grasp the fundamental methodologies of evaluation; and understand the key distinctions between evaluations, surveys, and auditing.

Last update: Remr Jiří, Mgr., Ph.D. (28.11.2025)