The utility of Guba and Lincoln’s (1989) Fourth Generation Evaluation (FGE)
method has been a source of debate in the field of evaluation (e.g. Adelman,
1996; Greene, 1996; Laughlin and Broadbent, 1996). The majority of these
debates tend to focus on hypothetical implementation issues. Few, if any, have
attempted to examine FGE through direct application of the method to an
actual evaluand of interest. The purpose of the present article is to examine
the utility of incorporating the FGE methodology as one of the first steps in
a community–university collaboration regarding youth. The strengths and
limitations of the FGE methodology will be highlighted through a discussion
of its application. Revealed strengths of FGE include the involvement of
multiple stakeholder groups, exposure to multiple perspectives, and fostering
early support for later programmatic developments. Limitations include
difficulties in defining stakeholders, and providing evidence of education and
empowerment. The information gained from this application has practical
implications for others seeking to employ the FGE methodology.