How Can Theory-Based Evaluation Make Greater Headway?

Weiss, Carol H.

doi:10.1177/0193841x9702100405

Cited by 374 publications

(335 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Stadler in this special issue gives further examples. 4 In so-called theory-based evaluation literature, the search for a particular type of 'logic' is known by interchangeable concepts as 'logic models' (Mayne 2001), 'result chains' (DCED/OECD 2010), Footnote 4 continued 'programme theories' (Rogers 2009) or 'Theories of Change' (Weiss 1997;Vogel 2012). There exists an active discussion on the differences of these approaches.…”

Section: Taking Stockmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing the Impact of Cross-Sector Partnerships

et al. 2015

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This paper addresses the topic of this special symposium issue: how to enhance the impact of crosssector partnerships. The paper takes stock of two related discussions: the discourse in cross-sector partnership research on how to assess impact and the discourse in impact assessment research on how to deal with more complex organizations and projects. We argue that there is growing need and recognition for cross-fertilization between the two areas. Cross-sector partnerships are reaching a paradigmatic status in society, but both research and practice need more thorough evidence of their impacts and of the conditions under which these impacts can be enhanced. This paper develops a framework that should enable a constructive interchange between the two research areas, while also framing existing research into more precise categories that can lead to knowledge accumulation.

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Section: Taking Stockmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing the Impact of Cross-Sector Partnerships

et al. 2015

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“…Program theory has been defined as "a plausible and sensible model of how a program is supposed to work" (Bickman, 1987, p. 5). It is, in other words, a sequence of presumed causes/actions/ processes and effects (Weiss, 1997). Program theory can be used to undertake consistent, robust, and comparable monitoring and evaluation of programs, which is lacking at this moment (e.g., Coalter, 2007Coalter, , 2012Coakley 2011).…”

Section: Future Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socially Vulnerable Youth and Volunteering in Sports: Analyzing a Brussels Training Program for Young Soccer Coaches

Buelens

Theeboom

Vertonghen

et al. 2015

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A considerable number of young Europeans live or risk ending up in socially vulnerable situations. Different social channels (e.g., education, on the job training, leisure) exist through which youths can enhance their chances to improve their social position. There is a growing belief that sports in particular can help personal and social development of socially vulnerable youths. Nevertheless, there is little understanding of the mechanisms through which sports can foster development. In addition to participating in sports, volunteering in sports is also regarded as providing developmental opportunities for socially vulnerable youths. Today, however, there is an underrepresentation of socially vulnerable youths in volunteering and volunteer training programs. A case study in Brussels was set up within a volunteer soccer training program focused on socially vulnerable youths. A qualitative research design was used to analyze developmental experiences of participants (n = 11) and program organizers (n = 3). The study also aimed to gain more insight into the mechanisms underlying the program. Participating youths indicated development in both technical and key competences. It is concluded that a systematic approach of the volunteer training program can play an important role in the development of competences of socially vulnerable youths both as a volunteer and an individual.

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“…The two main research questions recommended a theory of change framework (Connell and Klem 2000;Fullbright-Anderson et al 1998;Weiss 1997). Theories of change focus on a practical question.…”

Section: Merging Theory Of Change Framework With a Case Study Methodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, multiple theories of action elicited from partnership stakeholders are normative (Weiss 1997). In other words, rarely do all of the leaders and participants in a complex partnership offer the same descriptions and explanations for a partnership's success stories.…”

Section: Challenges and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%