Program Theory of Change

A program theory of change (PToC), also referred to as an action theory, causal pathway, intervening mechanisms theory, logic model, program theory, or theory of change, is a set of statements that describe the process and the mechanisms (i.e., the how and why) through which a program is thought to work and the outcomes it intends to affect. Program theories of change are built upon beliefs and assumptions developed through such means as personal experience, social science theories, or previous programs. Typically depicted through a diagram or model, a PToC explains the causal process through which change is expected to occur as a result of a program’s intervention. Generally, a PToC uses a set of “if, then” statements to represent the mechanisms of change ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles