Enhancing quality of practice through theory of change-based evaluation: science or practice?
This paper describes the evaluation component of Partnerships for Success (PfS), a comprehensive community effort designed to address youth development issues. The evaluation component is referred to as "theory of change-based evaluation." The author considers the implications of applying community practice tools such as theory of change-based evaluation to the current conceptualization of community science. More specifically, the author argues that the current conceptualization of community science pays scant attention to community practice. This paper concludes by suggesting that the current conceptualization of community science be modified to recognize the importance of community practice as an equal aspiration for community psychologists.
Julian
David A
DA
The Center for Learning Excellence, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212-1421, USA. julian.3@osu.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D014481:United States