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Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation
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Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation



June 2019 | 328 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation is the first book to bring the mapping methodology to social research and program evaluation. Bernadette Wright and Steven E. Wallis guide readers through all phases of the research process: learning from stakeholder experience; reviewing existing knowledge in the field; conducting new data collection such as interviews; collaborating with other researchers; and facilitating the use of knowledge for communication, collaboration, and action. With plenty of illustrations and navigational aids such as “travel tips,” the book is an accessible guide for busy students, researchers, and managers of all levels of experience.

 
Preface
 
Overview and Map of the Book
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1 • Three Dimensions of Knowledge for Solving Complex Problems: Meaning, Data, & Logic
Toward Better Maps for Solving Complex Problems

 
Three Dimensions of Knowledge

 
Putting the Dimensions Together

 
Right of Way: Research Ethics

 
Chapter 1 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 2 • Meaning: A Collaborative Mapping Approach
The Road Ahead

 
Uses for Collaborative Mapping

 
Milestones on the Road to Collaborative Mapping

 
Dealing With Difficult Dynamics

 
Gamified Approach to Collaborative Mapping

 
Case Study: Mapping a Regional Energy Coalition

 
Chapter 2 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 3 • Data: Mapping From Related Research and Materials
Uses for Mapping From Existing Research

 
Steps to Mapping From Existing Research

 
Mapping From Program Materials

 
Case Study: Mapping From Program Materials

 
Chapter 3 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 4 • Mapping From Your Own Research
The Road Ahead

 
Developing Research Questions for Better Maps

 
Specifying Methods to Answer Your Research Questions

 
Focus on Conducting Interviews

 
Organizing Your Research Findings

 
Reporting and Presenting Your Research

 
Chapter 4 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 5 • Logic: Evaluating the Structure of Maps
The Well-Built Road

 
Our Evolving Understanding of Knowledge Maps

 
Measuring the Structure of Maps

 
Comparing and Improving Maps

 
Case Study: Evaluating The Structure of Entrepreneurship Theories

 
More Views of Structure

 
Chapter 5 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 6 • Collaborating With Other Researchers
The Fragmented World of Social Sciences

 
Putting The Pieces Together

 
Integration, Acceleration, Solution!

 
Finding People, Finding Maps

 
Case Study: Collaboration Among Researchers

 
Chapter 6 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Chapter 7 • Communication, Collaboration, and Action
The Road Ahead

 
Tools for Making Maps

 
Making Presentations

 
Guiding Conversations Around a Map

 
Action Planning

 
Tracking Results

 
Chapter 7 Key Points

 
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Appendix A: Advanced Strategies for Making Maps More Useful
Bridges

 
Time

 
Core and Belt

 
Looking for Sub-Structures

 
Travelling From Optimism to Reality

 
Scale of Abstraction

 
Reducing Redundancy

 
Unanticipated Consequences

 
Inter-Mapper Consistency

 
Off the Shelf

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Appendix B: Sample Report
 
Appendix C: Some Research Methods for Building Better Maps
Research Strategies For Finding Data

 
Research Strategies For Creating and Expanding Maps

 
Further Exploration

 
 
Glossary
 
Index

“This book should be in the toolbox for all program evaluators as the focus is on collaborative work with community members and results in action. It is an excellent resource for all researchers who involve community members in solving problems. As an evaluator who works with community members and teaches evaluation at the graduate level, I will use this book as the "go-to resource" for developing maps that can solve complex problems. This book uses a collaborative approach to mapping that can be used in all areas of research.”

Krisanna Machtmes
Ohio University

“This book is a powerful guide to aid researchers and practitioners in decision-making.”

andra Schrouder
Barry University

While I am not using this text as required, I have listed this as an excellent optional text.

Dr Barbara Zwadyk
Education, High Point University
January 7, 2020
Key features

KEY FEATURES:

  • The new approach of causal knowledge mapping (practical mapping) uses cutting-edge methods to prepare students to meet the growing need for evaluation that responds to community needs and drives meaningful change.
  • Chapter by chapter, the book guides readers through all phases of the research process, with the powerful addition of examining and improving our knowledge map based on the logical structure of the map itself:
    • Learning from stakeholder experience
    • Reviewing existing knowledge in the field
    • Conducting new data collection such as interviews
    • Collaborating with other researchers
    • Facilitating the use of knowledge for communication, collaboration, and action 
  • Ease of use and accessibility for students of all levels of experience ensures that busy students, researchers, and managers can learn what they need to know to use the methods.
  • Class activities and reflections/discussions can be adapted to fit the instructor’s interests, student interests, or a combination.
  • An online teacher’s guide and course syllabus makes it easier for teachers to use the book in courses such as program evaluation, public policy, and research methods courses.
  • “Further Exploration” features at the end of each chapter provides a highly relevant guide for students who want to continue learning.

Sage College Publishing

You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:

Go To College Site

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.