| Session Title: Getting to Understand Intervention's Logic |
| Demonstration Session 835 to be held in Panzacola Section F4 on Saturday, Nov 14, 1:40 PM to 3:10 PM |
| Sponsored by the Program Theory and Theory-driven Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Astrid Brousselle, University of Montreal, astrid.brousselle@umontreal.ca |
| Abstract: Evaluators build logic models to conceptualize interventions based on stakeholders' perceptions of how the intervention works. Nevertheless, very few evaluators test the plausibility of a program's theory before using it. Yet, using a program theory that is incomplete or inaccurate can lead to flawed evaluations and recommendations. Logic analysis allows us to test the plausibility of a program's theory using the best available knowledge. In this presentation we will first briefly present how evaluators defined program theory evaluation, the types of logic analysis, and methods for testing the plausibility of a program's theory. Then we will illustrate the two kinds of logic analysis with two evaluation cases. Logic analysis has proven to be a quick evaluation capitalizing on best knowledge. It is useful for improving the intervention or finding alternatives for achieving intended effects; it appropriately influences the choice of evaluation to conduct and reinforces the validity of subsequent evaluations. |