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Id | 154 | |
Author | Galloway, S., | |
Title | Theory-based evaluation and the social impact of the arts | |
Reference | Galloway, S. (2009). Theory-based evaluation and the social impact of the arts, Cultural Trends, 18:2, 125-148. |
Link to article | https://doi.org/10.1080/09548960902826143 |
Abstract | The well-documented challenges in researching the social impacts of the arts are closely related to key issues in contemporary social research and evaluation, most particularly the problem of causal attribution. The article contends that some of the most common criticisms of the evidence base for the social impact of the arts relate to the successionist model of change which underpins positivist social science research and evaluation. Illustrating this with reference to research on the arts and quality of life, the article considers the alternative generative understanding of causation that underpins theory-based evaluation (TBE) approaches, favoured recently in the UK as part of the “What Works?” agenda. While these approaches fit well with knowledge about the determinants of arts impact, the article considers whether in fact TBE approaches offer an effective strategy for understanding how and why arts engagement can result in social change. The limitations and possibilities of TBE are considered with reference to four recent UK studies of the impact of the arts on individuals which make use of them. |
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It forms part of a research strategy designed to pilot approaches and methods for improving the evidence base for the arts. . | Evidence synthesized from the range of methods piloted demonstrates the potential of arts interventions to contribute towards greater self-esteem, self-control, confidence and co-operation amongst participants. . | The outcome of the Invest to Save study is a proposed model of transformational change demonstrating how outcomes beneficial for health and wellbeing may be possible through the mechanism of arts engagement. . | This is worth discussing in more detail because it relates to one of the key methodological issues raised in the social impact of the arts literature, on which TBE has something important to contribute. . |