AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EVALUATION

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Scholars: A Hub for Evaluation Excellence

Introduction

Welcome to the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EVALUATION information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EVALUATION, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1098-2140
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1981 to 2024
AbbreviationAM J EVAL / Am. J. Eval.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The American Journal of Evaluation focuses on advancing the field of evaluation through rigorous research, innovative methodologies, and practical applications. It serves as a platform for scholars and practitioners to share their insights and findings related to evaluation theory and practice.
  1. Evaluation Theory Development:
    The journal emphasizes the evolution of evaluation theories, exploring frameworks that guide evaluators in their practice and enhance the understanding of evaluation's role in different contexts.
  2. Methodological Innovations:
    It showcases innovative methodologies in evaluation, including participatory methods, quasi-experimental designs, and mixed methods approaches, providing evaluators with diverse tools for conducting evaluations.
  3. Cultural Responsiveness and Equity:
    A core focus is on culturally responsive evaluation practices that consider the diverse backgrounds of stakeholders, promoting equity and inclusivity in evaluation processes.
  4. Policy and Program Evaluation:
    The journal covers evaluations of policies and programs across various sectors, addressing the effectiveness and impact of interventions and informing decision-making.
  5. Community Engagement:
    It highlights the importance of engaging communities in the evaluation process, ensuring that evaluations are relevant and beneficial to the populations being served.
The American Journal of Evaluation has witnessed a rise in interest in several emerging themes, reflecting contemporary challenges and innovations in the field of evaluation. These trends indicate a responsive approach to current societal needs and the evolving role of evaluators.
  1. Racial Equity and Justice in Evaluation:
    Recent publications emphasize the integration of racial equity and justice into evaluation practices, highlighting the need for evaluators to address systemic inequalities and contribute to social justice.
  2. Participatory and Inclusive Evaluation:
    There is a growing trend towards participatory evaluation methods that actively involve stakeholders in the evaluation process, fostering ownership and relevance of the evaluation outcomes.
  3. Impact of COVID-19 on Evaluation Practices:
    The journal has increasingly focused on how the pandemic has influenced evaluation approaches, methodologies, and the importance of adaptability in evaluation practices during crises.
  4. Culturally Responsive Evaluation:
    Emerging themes include culturally responsive evaluation frameworks that recognize and honor the unique cultural contexts of communities, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of evaluations.
  5. Evaluation Capacity Building:
    There is a notable increase in discussions around building evaluation capacity within organizations and communities, emphasizing the need for training and resources to empower local evaluators.

Declining or Waning

While the American Journal of Evaluation has consistently focused on various themes, certain areas have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. These waning themes reflect a shift in the journal's emphasis and the evolving landscape of evaluation research.
  1. Traditional Evaluation Models:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications centered around traditional evaluation models, as the field shifts towards more dynamic and participatory approaches that incorporate stakeholder voices.
  2. Quantitative-Only Approaches:
    The journal has increasingly favored mixed methods and qualitative evaluations, leading to a decline in articles focused solely on quantitative methodologies, which are perceived as less adaptable to complex social issues.
  3. Narrowly Defined Program Evaluations:
    Evaluations that focus on narrowly defined programs without broader contextual considerations or community engagement appear to be less frequent, as the journal encourages evaluations that address systemic issues and community needs.

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