Translational Research Design: Collaborating with Stakeholders for Program Evaluation

• Published in: Qualitative report Vol. 21; no. 1; p. 44
• Main Authors: Carr, Kari Morris, Bradley-Levine, Jill S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fort Lauderdale Nova Southeastern University, Inc 01.01.2016; The Qualitative Report
• Subjects: After school programs; Catholic Schools; Childhood Needs; Collaboration; Communications; Community; Community Relations; Cooperation; Educational aspects; Educational Needs; Elementary Education; Elementary Schools; Evaluation; Evaluation research; Evaluators; Government School Relationship; Interest groups; Medical research; Methods; Participation; Program evaluation; Qualitative research; Research centers; Research design; Research methodology; Research Needs; Researchers; Stakeholders; Studies; Translation; Translational research; Validity; Values; Indiana; United States > US
• DOI: 10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2454
• ISSN: 1052-0147

In this article, the authors examine researcher collaboration with stakeholders in the context of a translational research approach used to evaluate an elementary school program. The authors share their experiences as evaluators of this particular program to demonstrate how collaboration with stakeholders evolved when a translational research approach was applied to program evaluation. Beginning with a review of literature regarding stakeholder participation in evaluation and other qualitative research, the article reflects on a method for conceptualizing participant involvement and collaboration within the translational framework. The relationship between researchers and stakeholders is articulated according to this method. We interpose these descriptions with their alignment to Petronio's (2002, 2007) five types of practical validity for translational research. The paper ends with a consideration of what was learned throughout the evaluation process, including both successes and challenges, by means of the translational model.