Implications for program theory and design are discussed.
Conceptual frameworks (CF) have historically been used to develop program theory.
This paper begins with a systematic, though not exhaustive, comparison of program theory evaluation and action science.
Both program theory evaluation and action science use the concept of implicit "theories of action" as a central construct in the study of social practice.
The integrated evaluation design relies on two points of comparison: (1) program theory to program experience; and (2) program cities to comparison cities.
This article is intended to stimulate a dialogue between program theory evaluation and action science for the purposes of cross-fertilization and mutual enrichment.
This exploratory study examined, through a program theory approach, the design and implementation of a small-scale, community-based fund in Ireland.
Findings indicated that (1) the program theory consisted of an action model which included an organization, principal, teacher and boundary partner.
The project resulted in the Diploma of Nursing program (theory and practice) being delivered within the hospital setting by nurse educators and clinical nurse consultants.
This article describes a particular type of program theory evaluation logic analysis that allows us to test the plausibility of a program's theory using scientific knowledge.
In addition to the need to identify and refine program theory and meaningful outcome indicators, the authors suggest several other opportunities for future research.
