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Many Hats: The Methods and Roles of the Program Evaluator

Program evaluation often casts the social scientist in multiple roles that require the use of various methods and skills to deliver the product or products desired by the hiring agency. Social scientists engaged in evaluation research often find their roles being expanded beyond those articulated in their contracts. Balancing these numerous demands while maintaining professional integrity can be both challenging and rewarding in terms of professional growth and expansion of one's professional network. This article focuses on the experiences of one research team working with a law enforcement agency in a midsized city in the Southwest during the first two years of the implementation of a Weed and Seed program. Nimbleness of method, expansion of the evaluator's role, and the reality of unexpected challenges are the primary lessons to be drawn from this experience.