Putting program theory into operation

The emphasis on understanding how a program works and what makes a program work led to the development of the theory-driven approach to program evalua tion. Theory plays a major role in guiding a program design and evaluation The theory defines the presenting problem and the target population for who m the program is designed, specifies the causal processes underlying the pr ogram effects, and identifies its expected outcomes as well as factors that affect treatment processes. In this article, a conceptual framework is pre sented as a tool for putting the program theory into operation. The framewo rk incorporates variables that reflect theoretical concepts and implementat ion issues addressed in program evaluation. The framework organizes the var iables into three categories: input, process, and output, and proposes dire ct and indirect relationships among them. Implications of the framework for program evaluation are discussed.