Chacón Moscoso, SalvadorAnguera Argilaga, María TeresaSanduvete Chaves, SusanaSánchez Aroca, Montse2014-03-132014-03-1320130214-9915https://hdl.handle.net/2445/51585Background: Nowadays, the confronting dichotomous view between experimental/quasi-experimental and non-experimental/ethnographic studies still exists but, despite the extensive use of non-experimental/ ethnographic studies, the most systematic work on methodological quality has been developed based on experimental and quasi-experimental studies. This hinders evaluators and planners" practice of empirical program evaluation, a sphere in which the distinction between types of study is changing continually and is less clear. Method: Based on the classical validity framework of experimental/quasi-experimental studies, we carry out a review of the literature in order to analyze the convergence of design elements in methodological quality in primary studies in systematic reviews and ethnographic research. Results: We specify the relevant design elements that should be taken into account in order to improve validity and generalization in program evaluation practice in different methodologies from a practical methodological and complementary view. Conclusions: We recommend ways to improve design elements so as to enhance validity and generalization in program evaluation practice.6 p.application/pdfeng(c) Psicothema, 2013RecercaAvaluació de programesMetodologiaResearchPrograms evaluationMethodologyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article6292482014-03-13info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess