The impact evaluation process,part 1: Building a case for demonstrating the worth of performance improvement interventions

Evaluation results and consequences are only as strong as the plan and the partnerships that provide guidance for the evaluation process. This article, the first of a two‐part series on evaluation, is a pragmatic guide for conducting useful evaluations that produce action‐based recommendations for measurably improving performance. The next installment focuses on planning a responsive evaluation by establishing solid partnerships with stakeholders.     

On Becoming Allies: A Qualitative Study of Lesbian‐, Gay‐, and Bisexual‐Affirmative Counselor Training

The authors present a qualitative analysis of a process by which a research team of counselors‐in‐training confronted their heterosexist biases while investigating heterosexual attitudes toward sexual minorities. Members of the research team discovered that it was essential to reflect on and evaluate their attitudes, assumptions, and biases before they could conduct scientific research about affirmative attitudes toward lesbian, gay male, and bisexual male and female individuals. Self‐reflective narratives written by each research team member were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methodology. Results yielded 10 general categories or themes. Implications for counseling theory, training, and future research are discussed.