Theory of Change Analysis: Building Robust Theories of Change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.31122Keywords:
analysis of theories of change, criteria for good theories of change, impact pathways, theory of changeAbstract
Models for theories of change vary widely as do how they are used. What constitutes a good or robust theory of change has not been discussed much. This article sets out and discusses criteria for robust theories of change. As well, it discusses how these criteria can be used to undertake a vigorous assessment of a theory of change. A solid analysis of a theory of change can be extremely useful, both for designing or assessing the designs of an intervention as well as for the design of monitoring regimes and evaluations. The article concludes with a discussion about carrying out a theory of change analysis and an example.
L’utilisation qui est faite de modèles de théories du changement varie grandement. Par ailleurs, il y a peu de discussion sur ce qui constitue une bonne ou solide théorie du changement. Le présent article décrit et analyse les critères de détermination de la robustesse d’une telle théorie. De plus, il discute de la façon dont ces critères peuvent servir à l’évaluation rigoureuse d’une théorie du change-ment. Une analyse approfondie d’une théorie du changement peut être extrêmement utile, autant pour concevoir ou évaluer la conception d’une intervention, que pour concevoir des évaluations et systèmes de monitorage. L’article se termine avec une discussion sur l’analyse d’une théorie du changement et un exemple.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
The Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) owns the copyright to all material published in the Journal. Authors are informed of this policy prior to submission of the final copy for publication. Requests for permission to reprint, post or distribute copies of articles (electronic or hardcopy) come to the Editor-in-chief, who has the authority to decide on behalf of CES.