Scoping review procedures on methods to examine engagement in research on evaluation

Engagement is regarded as a core practice that can enhance the quality and cultural relevance of research and evaluation projects. Engagement can also function as a primary vehicle for promoting use of results into real world applications. However, practices for engagement in evaluation are not typically informed by research. More research on evaluation (RoE) is needed to provide guidance on designing meaningful engagement approaches for diverse communities. This scoping review seeks to address this gap with three primary aims: (a) identify how engagement has been conceptualized in a subset of RoE studies, (b) describe methodological characteristics of RoE used to examine engagement; and (c) characterize engagement strategies utilized to guide the design and quality of engagement practice. This review protocol outlines methods for the scoping review that will expand on a prior systematic review from Brandon and Fukanaga (2014) and follows established guidelines using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Best practices for scoping review approaches will be implemented to ensure quality and rigor throughout the phases of the review process. Findings will describe qualitative themes to synthesize methodological characteristics for a subset of empirical studies on engagement in RoE and highlight the strengths and areas for opportunities to advance the field. Findings will also include lessons learned on the advantages and trade-offs of using rapid forms of scoping reviews to promote meta research for addressing knowledge gaps.