Theories in technology evaluation

This course covers theories in technology evaluation, including theories of assessment and evaluation, methodological approaches, alternative perspectives on causality, stakeholder involvement, politics in evaluation, ethics, validity, credibility, and trust. The course aims to teach theory-based evaluation approaches and the complexities of involving stakeholders in evaluation processes. The teaching method includes lectures, readings, and discussions. The course is intended for professionals in technology assessment, evaluation, and policy-making.

• Theories in technology evaluation
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Theories, paradigms and evaluation
• 1 Theories, paradigms and evaluation
• 1.1 Theories of assessment and evaluation
• 1.1.1 Universalist or contingency?
• 1.2 Methodological issues for evaluation
• 1.2.1 Experimental and quantitative approaches
• 1.2.2 Qualitative approaches
• 1.2.3 Mixed and multiple methods
• 1.2.4 Triangulation
• 1.3 An alternative perspective on causality
• 1.3.1 CCTV and crime reduction
• 1.4 Theory in assessment and evaluation
• 1.4.1 Theory-based approaches
• 1.4.2 Theories and paradigms of technology and society
• 1.4.3 Beyond technological determinism
• 1.5 Whose theories?
• 2 Stakeholders and evaluation
• 2 Stakeholders and evaluation
• 2.1 Defining stakeholders
• 2.2 The purpose of stakeholder involvement
• 2.3 Criticisms and complications of a participatory approach
• 3 Politics, assessment and evaluation
• 3 Politics, assessment and evaluation
• 3.1 Individual politics
• 3.2 Professional politics
• 3.3 Stakeholder politics
• 3.4 Societal politics
• 3.5 The ‘hidden’ functions of evaluation
• 4 Ethics, validity, credibility and trust
• 4 Ethics, validity, credibility and trust
• 4.1 Ethical considerations
• 5 Conclusion
• 5 Conclusion
• Keep on learning
• References
• Acknowledgements