Everything about Theory-driven evaluation
Approach to program evaluation
Theory-driven evaluation is an umbrella term for any approach to program evaluation – quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method – that develops a theory of change and uses it to design, implement, analyze, and interpret findings from an evaluation. More specifically, an evaluation is theory-driven if it:formulates a theory of change using some combination of social science, lived experience, and program-related professionals' expertise; develops and prioritizes evaluation questions using the theory; uses the theory to guide the design and implementation of the evaluation; uses the theory to operationalize contextual, process, and outcome variables; provides a causal explanation of how and why outcomes were achieved, including whether the program worked and/or had any unintended consequences ; and explains what factors moderate outcomes. Wikipedia →
🧠Start here: a 6-step reading path
- Read the overview: Theory-driven evaluationA 5-minute orientation
- Skim a recent paper: Data-driven perspectives on linear stability theory: Dataset support and pattern-based N-factor evaluationInfluential work since 2022
- Pick up a classic book: Neural Information ProcessingThe most-reprinted book on the subject
- Read the landmark paper: A Systematic Review of Theory-Driven Evaluation Practice From 1990 to 2009Cited 356 times
- Go sideways: Huey-tsyh ChenA closely related topic
- Go sideways: Theory of changeA closely related topic
đź“– Definitions
No dictionary entry for this exact phrase.
🗂️ The subject at a glance
🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)
A Systematic Review of Theory-Driven Evaluation Practice From 1990 to 2009
Understanding what works—and why—in quality improvement: the need for theory-driven evaluation
Theory-Driven Process Evaluation of the SHINE Trial Using a Program Impact Pathway Approach
A Theory-Driven Intervention and Evaluation to Explore Family Caregiver Empowerment
Evaluation of Microbe-Driven Soil Organic Matter Quantity and Quality by Thermodynamic Theory
Applying theory-driven evaluation to the British Crime Reduction Programme
Towards an evidence base of theory-driven evaluations: Some questions for proponents of theory-driven evaluation
An Application of Theory-Driven Evaluation to a Drop-In Youth Center
🆕 Influential since 2022
Data-driven perspectives on linear stability theory: Dataset support and pattern-based N-factor evaluation
Gravity-driven membrane based on solid waste for water purification: Manufacturing, XDLVO theory and algae removal evaluation
Theory and Data-Driven Competence Evaluation with Multimodal Machine Learning—A Chinese Competence Evaluation Multimodal Dataset
Trauma Informed Care Training: A Theory-Driven Qualitative Evaluation and Recommendations for Improvement
Simple but not simplistic: Findings from a theory-driven retrospective evaluation of a small projects program
đź“š Books worth reading
Neural Information ProcessingTingwen Huang · 2012
Natural Language Processing and Information SystemsElisabeth Métais · 2005
Program Theory-Driven Evaluation ScienceStewart I. Donaldson · 2007
Evaluating nursing interventionsSouraya Sidani, Carrie Jo Braden · 1997
Introduction to Theory-Driven Program EvaluationStewart I. Donaldson · 2021
Practical Program EvaluationHuey T. (Tsyh) Chen · 2004
Digital systems testing and testable designMiron Abramovici · 1990
Social psychology and evaluationMelvin M. Mark, Stewart I. Donaldson · 2011
Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.
đź”— Related topics
- Huey-tsyh Chen Huey-tsyh Chen is a Taiwanese American sociologist and scholar of program evaluation. He is Professor in the Department of Public Health and Director of…
- Theory of change A theory of change (ToC) is an explicit theory of how and why it is thought that a social policy or program activities lead to outcomes and impacts. ToCs…
- Impact evaluation Impact evaluation assesses the extent to which an intervention (such as a project, program or policy) is causally responsible for observed outcomes, intended…
- Realist evaluation Realist evaluation or realist review (also realist synthesis) is a type of theory-driven evaluation used in evaluating social programmes. Realist evaluation…
- Logic model A logic model is a hypothesized description of the causal chains in certain plans, used to show social programs and the results desired from them. They…
- Program evaluation Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies and programs, particular…
- Intervention mapping Intervention Mapping is an approach for developing theory-based and evidence-based health promotion programs. Intervention Mapping describes the process…
- Normalization process theory Normalization process theory (NPT) is a sociological theory, generally used in the fields of science and technology studies (STS), implementation research…