This article will define decision rules and examine literature relevant to the concept of
program evaluation. An example will be provided of an evaluation in which the formula
tion of explicit and specific decision rules was a central activity. The case for and against
the use of decision rules in program evaluation will be considered, and the context in which
the practice is appropriate will be identified. Implications for the rights of decision makers
will be addressed. The article is written within the context of program evaluation in educa
tional institutions, but the issues raised have relevance to evaluation in other settings.
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