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Evaluation
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The Practice and the Theory

Lessons from the Application of a Theories of Change Approach

Mhairi Mackenzie

University of Glasgow, UK, m.mackenzie{at}clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Avril Blamey

University of Glasgow, UK, a.blamey{at}clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Theory-based evaluation approaches are becoming increasingly popular in the evaluation of comprehensive community initiatives. Such an approach, Theory of Change (ToC), has been used in the external evaluations of two of four Scottish Health Demonstration projects. This article provides an empirically based analysis of the issues raised in the process of articulating a project’s ToC. It then considers the value of the approach in relation to sharpening planning, providing formative feedback, improving performance management, guiding internal and external evaluation, judging impact and reducing problems of attribution. A conclusion is reached that, whilst such approaches are by no means a panacea, they offer one useful framework within which to negotiate a range of evaluation practice decisions.

Key Words: child health improvement • complex community • interventions • heart health improvement • Scottish Health Demonstration • projects • theory-based evaluation

Evaluation, Vol. 11, No. 2, 151-168 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1356389005055538
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