In: Nursing
How does an evaluator decide which theory and methodology to use to develop a programmatic evaluation?
Program evaluation based on program theory begin with either (1) a well-developed or validated theory of how programs of a certain type within similar settings operate to produce outcomes(2) an initial stage to approximate such a theory within he context of a particular program evaluation
The theory can aid a program evaluator to decide what questions, indicators and assumed linkages between and among program elements should be used to evaluate a program covered by theory
The main purpose of theory based program evaluation are
Questions for the program evaluation pertain to and are derived from the guiding theory.
Example questons include the following:
Is the program grounded in an approrpriate, well-articulated and grounded theory?
Is the employed theory reflective of recent research?
Are the program targeted beneficaries, design, operation and intended outcomes consistent with the guiding theory?
How well does the program address and serve the full range of pertinent needs of targeted beneficiaries?
Overall, was the program theoretically sound, did it operate inaccordance with an appropriate theory, did it produce the expected outcomes , were the hypothezised causal linkages confirmed , what program modifications are needed, is the program worthy of continuation and/or dissemination and what program features are needed for successful replication.
The nature of these questions suggest that the success of theory -based approach is dependent on a foundation of sound theory development and validation. In any program-evaluation assignment , it is reasonable for the evaluator to examine the extent to which program plans and operations are grounded in an appropriate theory or model
Relationship between theory and research
The relationship betweeen theory and research bulids scientific knowledge base for practice. As more research is conducted, the discipline learns to what extend a given theory is useful in providing information to improve patient care