Michael Quinn Patton

Definition

Michael Quinn Patton is a prominent figure in the field of evaluation, known for his contributions to qualitative research methods and the development of utilization-focused evaluation. His work emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport with interview subjects, which is essential for obtaining authentic and valuable insights during the evaluation process. Patton's approach advocates for engaging stakeholders and ensuring that the evaluation serves their needs, further highlighting the importance of creating a comfortable environment for open communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Patton emphasizes the need for evaluators to establish rapport with interview subjects to foster an environment where honest and meaningful responses can be shared.
2. His work highlights that trust is a key element in qualitative research, as it encourages participants to disclose their true thoughts and feelings.
3. Building rapport can involve active listening, showing empathy, and demonstrating respect for the participants' experiences and perspectives.
4. Patton's utilization-focused approach encourages evaluators to be adaptive, tailoring their methods to meet the needs and contexts of the stakeholders involved.
5. He advocates for a participatory approach in evaluations, which not only enhances trust but also improves the relevance and utility of the findings.

Review Questions

• How does Michael Quinn Patton's emphasis on building trust impact the quality of qualitative research?
  • Michael Quinn Patton believes that building trust with interview subjects directly enhances the quality of qualitative research. When participants feel secure and respected, they are more likely to share candid insights and experiences. This openness leads to richer data collection and ultimately results in more meaningful evaluations that reflect true stakeholder perspectives.
• Discuss how utilization-focused evaluation differs from traditional evaluation methods in terms of stakeholder engagement.
  • Utilization-focused evaluation, as proposed by Michael Quinn Patton, significantly differs from traditional evaluation methods by placing a stronger emphasis on stakeholder engagement. Instead of merely collecting data for academic or theoretical purposes, this approach seeks to actively involve stakeholders in every stage of the evaluation process. This ensures that findings are relevant and actionable for those directly impacted by the program being evaluated, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation of recommendations.
• Evaluate the implications of Michael Quinn Patton's approach to qualitative research on the future of evaluation practices.
  • The implications of Michael Quinn Patton's approach to qualitative research suggest a shift towards more inclusive and participatory evaluation practices. By prioritizing trust-building and stakeholder engagement, future evaluations are likely to become more responsive to community needs and concerns. This evolution could lead to a broader acceptance of diverse methodologies and a greater focus on real-world impacts, ultimately transforming how evaluators interact with data and influence decision-making processes within organizations.

Related terms

Utilization-Focused Evaluation: An approach developed by Patton that prioritizes the use of evaluation findings by ensuring that they are relevant to stakeholders and their decision-making processes.

Qualitative Research: A research method that focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis of non-numerical data.

Stakeholder Engagement: The process of involving individuals, groups, or organizations who have an interest in or are affected by the evaluation, ensuring their perspectives are considered throughout the evaluation process.