This study analyzed data from four evaluation designs incorporating the retrospective pretest (i.e., thentest), analyzing the effects of self-report pretesting and post-program survey format on a set of self-report measures. Validity of self-report data was assessed by comparing the criterion validity of then ratings to established benchmarks and by including a control condition. This study found that designs incorporating separate posttest and thentest surveys yielded the most comparable levels of criterion validity for then ratings and the least biased measures of program effectiveness. Conversely, designs that incorporated a single post-program survey, with adjacent post and then items, yielded the least comparable levels of criterion validity for then ratings and the most biased measures of program effectiveness. This study also found a slight interaction between the effects of self-report pretesting and post-program survey format. Implications for program evaluation are discussed.

There are several key sensemaking models and theories that have attracted a lot of attention among researchers and practitioners in the last few decades. The adaptation and application of sensemaking has varied by field of study, organizational type, and industry. This study explored these sensemaking models and theories to better answer the following questions: what is sense-making/sensemaking? How is sensemaking practiced today compared to the original sensemaking frameworks, models, and theories? To answer these questions, the current study conducted a systematic literature review and content analysis of current research involving sensemaking methods, practices, and techniques. As a result, topic modeling and data analytic techniques were used to construct a multifaceted conceptual framework that has been contrasted and compared with previous sensemaking frameworks, models, and theories to show its coverage and coherence. The new multifaceted sensemaking (MSM) theory consists of nine stages with defining characteristics for each stage that were either derived from the data analysis or conceptualized by the researcher based on the literature review. The new theory presented demonstrates how previous sensemaking theories evolved and have influenced both practice and research today. The multifaceted sensemaking theory is influenced by previous sensemaking theories while also representing sensemaking in current practice. The multifaceted sensemaking theory contributes to the sensemaking field of study a new theory with nine stages and defining characteristics.

The ability for an organization to innovate has become one of the most important capabilities needed in the new knowledge economy. An organization's culture of innovation, in particular, predicts organizational innovativeness across multiple industries. While researchers have developed instruments to measure culture of innovation to inform organizational opportunities for improvement, few of these instruments have been validated or replicated beyond their initial use. The current article, which is part one of a two-part investigation, employs confirmatory factor analytic methods to validate the factor structure of the six models defined in the Innovation Quotient instrument developed by Rao and Weintraub (2013) and assess the extent to which the models are reliable across organizational groups. While each model demonstrated adequate model fit, a lack of discriminant validity was identified for each model, as well as a lack of reliability across some organizational groups. Recommendations for model respecification are presented.

The purpose of this study was to examine three components of Donaldson and Graham's ( 1999 Donaldson , J. F. , Graham , S. W. , Kasworm , C. , & Dirkx , J. M. ( April 1999 ). Adult undergraduate participation and involvement: Future directions for theory and research . Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association , Montreal Canada . (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED430473) [Google Scholar] ) model of college outcomes for adults: (a) Prior Experience & Personal Biographies, (b) the Connecting Classroom, and (c) Life-World Environment. The study was also to assess the application of these components to traditional and nontraditional students in community colleges in both technical and nontechnical courses. This study found that nontraditional students vary from traditional students in regards to the three model constructs. A post hoc descriptive discriminate analysis determined that the Life-World Environment component contributed the most to group differences with the minimally nontraditional group scoring the highest on this construct.

This study is in response to a recent increase in the use of chaplains across corporate America and fills a void in the research literature. It explored the activities of corporate chaplains, identifying the precise functions they perform. Similarities were found between the problems that employees discussed with corporate chaplains and the issues traditionally addressed by employee assistance providers. Differences across industry type, firm size, and contract tenure were also analyzed and are reported. Findings indicate that the majority of problems discussed with corporate chaplains were psychological issues and relationship matters. Implications for practice and research are discussed.