The evaluation of statewide mental health programs: A systems approach.

This paper attempts to outline a model for the evaluation of a statewide mental health program drawn from general systems theory. The derived model is partially stated and illustrative applications discussed. Inferential procedures as applied to evaluation research are discussed and experimental inference is stated to be inapplicable to most evaluation problems. Evaluative technique is applied not only to the attainment of ultimate objectives but to the attainment of intermediate objectives as well. In this latter connection, there is a brief discussion of program budgeting and its relation to evaluation studies.