Making sense of the emerging conversation in evaluation about systems thinking and complexity science. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gates, Emily F.
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 59(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Systems thinking -- Complexity science -- Evaluation theory -- Evaluation practice; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.08.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: Reviews recent literature addressing systems thinking and complexity science in evaluation. Provides one interpretation of the implications systems thinking and complexity science pose for evaluation theory and practice. Key implications include new ways to frame social interventions and their contexts and new considerations for selecting and using methods, valuing, producing and justifying knowledge, and facilitating evaluation use. Abstract: In the last twenty years, a conversation has emerged in the evaluation field about the potential of systems thinking and complexity science (STCS) to transform the practice of evaluating social interventions. Documenting and interpreting this conversation are necessary to advance our understanding of the significance of using STCS in planning, implementing, and evaluating social interventions. Guided by a generic framework for evaluation practice, this paper reports on an inter-disciplinary literature review and argues that STCS raises some new ways of thinking about and carrying out the following six activities: 1) supporting social problem solving; 2) framing interventions and contexts; 3) selecting and using methods; 4) engaging in valuing; 5) producing and justifying knowledge; and 6) facilitating use. Following a discussion of these issues, future directions for research and practice are suggested.