Chapter 4: Integration and Synthesis of Published Studies

In this chapter we provide an analysis and integration of the 121 empirical studies included in our review (as described in Chapter 3). In our review and integration of the empirical research, guided by our conceptual framework (Figure 2.3), we addressed the following three sets of questions:

1. What contextual factors and enabling conditions influence the practice and consequences of participatory evaluation? To what extent are participatory evaluations shaped by evaluator background and skill level, the community and program context, institutional or organizational forces and influences associated with the focal program?

2. What is the nature of the participatory evaluation practice? To what extent is variation observed in evaluator control, diversity among stakeholders and depth of stakeholder participation?

3. What are the observed consequences of participatory evaluation defined in terms evaluation outputs, use of findings, process use and transformative outcomes?