Publishing rationale* There is an absence of current introductory guidance of this nature which is accessible and comprehensible to social researchers. * Written by someone who teaches courses on this topic so understands what is needed * On a topic which came up in the SRA members survey as something people would like to see a book on* One of the initial titles in the new SRA Shorts seriesUnique selling point: Fills a need for a practical roadmap of the options open to evaluators and users, demystifying what can be seen as competing and conflicting ideas of what makes up a 'good' evaluation and how it is specified, designed and delivered to fit particular needs and circumstances. It goes beyond description of methods, and their pro's and con's to provide practical insights on what works well, informed by case study illustrations of effective approaches and how pitfalls were identified and avoided.