Introduction to Theory-Driven Program Evaluation, 2nd Edition

3 Formulating, Prioritizing, and Answering Evaluation Questions with Credible and Actionable Evidence

The purpose of this chapter is to briefly describe the second and third steps in the basic three-step process for conducting program theory-driven evaluation science:

1. developing program impact theory;
2. formulating and prioritizing evaluation questions; and
3. answering evaluation questions.

This chapter emphasizes the importance of using the program impact theory developed in Step 1 to facilitate discussions with stakeholders about formulating, prioritizing, and answering potential evaluation questions. First, I discuss ways that an evaluation team can help stakeholders formulate a wide range of evaluation questions. Next, a process for prioritizing ...