As evaluators, policy makers, and program managers, we want our efforts to solve the problems of the world to be based on the best possible knowledge. Too often, however, that knowledge is not organized in a way that makes it easy to use for decision-making and action. As a result, too many programs fail to meet their potential. “Causal knowledge mapping” is a technique for integrating and measurably improving knowledge from a broad range of sources. In this webinar, we’ll use real-world examples and interactive conversations to show three kinds of causal knowledge maps that can benefit an evaluation: (1) Collaborative maps to design programs that fit the local situation; (2) Literature maps to identify and improve upon effective practices; (3) Evaluation findings maps for continual improvement.

1. WELCOME
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2. Causal Knowledge Mapping
for More Useful Evaluation
Washington Evaluators Virtual Brown Bag
June 27, 2017
Bernadette Wright, PhD, http://meaningfulevidence.com
Steven E. Wallis, PhD, https://askmatt.solutions/
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3. Are You
“in the
Right
Room”?
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4. AGENDA
1) Collaborative maps
2) Literature maps
3) Evaluation findings maps
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5. 5
Question:
Could your decision-making and action
be more effective?

6. Who Are We?
Bernadette Wright, PhD Steve Wallis, PhD
www.meaningfulevidence.com https://askmatt.solutions/ 6

7. Collaborative Maps
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8. www.meaningfulevidence.com 8

9. www.meaningfulevidence.com 9

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12. Online Platforms
https://kumu.io https://insightmaker.com/

13. Questions
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14. Literature
Maps
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15. Find Relevant Information in Studies
“The formula for providing a
home for all is highly
complex...and requires
collaboration...”
(Henwood et al. The Grand
Challenge of
Ending Homelessness.
American Academy of Social
Work & Social Welfare, 2015)
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16. From Text to Diagram (“Map”)
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17. Click Map for Study Details
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18. 18www.meaningfulevidence.com
Dark Circles, Arrows = More Studies

19. Questions
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20. Evaluation
Findings
Maps
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21. Integrated
Maps
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23. Improving the Structure / Usefulness of maps
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25. Contact Us
info@meaningfulevidence.com 25

26. Questions &
Discussion
info@meaningfulevidence.com
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