The two groups have not always understood one another. For example, researchers working in an evaluative role have often produced findings related more to theory testing than to decision making. Such results hold little value for most practitioners. If practitioners and evaluators work collaboratively during the planning stages of an evaluation, the quality of evaluation design and the applicability of findings will almost certainly improve. In addition to planning, it is important for evaluators and practitioners to collaborate in communicating and applying evaluation findings.
Some evaluators are interested only in results that can be measured quickly and easily.
Such an approach ensures more rapid publication, an important concern of those pursuing academic careers. But such an approach must sidestep many questions of educational relevance. Some evaluators have addressed this issue by designing delivery formats specifically to increase understanding and application by practitioners. Stahl identified several major impediments that keep evaluation findings from being read. For each of these difficulties, he developed a response intended to increase readers' interest and ease of use.