title: Program theory-driven evaluation science in a youth development context.
abstract: Program theory-driven evaluation science (PTDES) provides a useful framework for uncovering the mechanisms responsible for positive change resulting from participation in youth development (YD) programs. Yet it is difficult to find examples of PTDES that capture the complexity of such experiences. This article offers a much-needed example of PTDES applied to Project K, a youth development program with adventure, service-learning and mentoring components. Findings from eight program staff focus groups, 351 youth participants' comments, four key program documents, and results from six previous Project K research projects were integrated to produce a theory of change for the program. A direct logic analysis was then conducted to assess the plausibility of the proposed theory against relevant research literature. This demonstrated that Project K incorporates many of the best practice principles discussed in the literature that covers the three components of the program. The contributions of this theory-building process to organizational learning and development are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92601, Auckland 1150, New Zealand. Electronic address: k.deane@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Kelsey L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Deane
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Electronic address: n.harre@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Niki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harré
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development; D017144:Focus Groups; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Program evaluation; Theory-driven evaluation; Youth development; Youth programs