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Theory-based evaluation examines conditions of program implementution and mechanisms that mediate between processes and outcomes as a mcans to understand when and how programs work.

The idea of theory-based evaluation (TBE) is plausible and cogent, and it promises to bring greater explanatory power to evaluation. However, problems beset its use, including inadequate theories about pathways to desired outcomes in many program areas, confusion between theories of implementation and theories of programmatic action, difficulties in eliciting or constructing usable theories, measurement error, complexities in analysis, and others. This article explores the problems, describes the nature of potential benefits, and suggests that the benefits are significant enough to warrant continued effort to overcome the obstacles and advance the feasibility of TBE.

Articles should deal with topics applicable to the broadfield ofprogram evaluation.Articles may deal with evaluation practice or theory, but if the latter, implications for practicing evaluators should be clearly identified. Examples of contributions include, but are not limited to, reviews of new developments in evaluation and descriptions of a current evaluation effort, problem, or technique. Results of empirical evaluation studies will be published only if the methods atuUorjindings have clear utility to other evaluation practitioners. Manuscripts should include appropriate references and normally should not exceed 10 double-spaced typewritten pages in length; longer articles will occasionally be published, but only where their importance to AJE readers is judged to be quite high. ABSTRACT"Use of evaluation" used to mean the use of results for making program decisions. Now we are aware of its larger dimensions. Many aspects of evaluation can be used-ideas and insights, signals that are sent by the very fact of evaluating, the processes of learning through cooperation with evaluation, the choice of outcome indicators that herald success, even the study design. "Use" encompasses a broad array of effects by multiple classes of users. The paper highlights the importance of considering further potential collective users-the program organization, client groups, and civil society.

Evaluation has much to offer to policy makers, but policy makers rarely base new policies directly on evaluation results. Partly this is because of the compedting pressures of interests, ideologies, other information and institutional constraints. Partly it is because many policies take shape over time through the actions of many officials in many offices, each of which does its job without conscious reflection. Despite the seeming neglect of evaluation, scholars in many countries have found that evaluation has real consequences: it challenges old ideas, provides new perspectives and helps to re-order the policy agenda. This kind of 'enlightenment' is difficult to see, and it works best when it receives support from policy champions. Many channels bring evaluation results to the attention of policy makers, and they listen not only because they want direction but also to justify policies, to show their knowledge and modernity, and as a counterweight to other information. Openness of the political system and a thriving evaluation community tend to make some nations more attuned to evaluation-than others.