A constructivist approach to evaluation methodology: Implications for positive youth development.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to employ Fourth Generation Evaluation, a constructivist methodology, to an examination of the concept of positive youth development. To accomplish this task, four groups of stakeholders in the process of positive youth development in an urban, southwestern city were included: (1) teens; (2) parents; (3) school personnel; and (4) community members. Ten men and ten women were included. As a process, Fourth Generation Evaluation proved to be a worthwhile strategy for examining the concept of positive youth development. This strategy revealed that stakeholders agree that positive youth development means helping young people to develop competence as well as attitudes and qualities associated with resiliency. Fourth Generation Evaluation was particularly useful in uncovering important information about context as it defines the parameters of resiliency and protective factors. Incorporating the concept of positive youth development with resiliency provides 11 powerful theoretical basis for prevention and promotion programs. This strategy also raises some interesting ethical dilemmas regarding the inclusion of stakeholders and programmatic decisions. Such a strategy should be incorporated prior to the implementation of any programs focusing on positive youth development. This strategy helps to ensure that stakeholder expectations are met and that the program has support from its inception. This support is vital to insure program success.