ERIC Number: ED533366
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 169
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-1248-3902-8
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using Concept Mapping as as Tool for Program Theory Development
Orsi, Rebecca
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Colorado State University
The purpose of this methodological study is to explore how well a process called "concept mapping" (Trochim, 1989) can articulate the theory which underlies a social program. Articulation of a program's theory is a key step in completing a sound theory based evaluation (Weiss, 1997a). In this study, concept mapping is used to articulate the outcomes domain of a program theory, using Chen's (1990) six domains for program theory as an organizing framework. A grassroots community organization in Denver, Colorado, provides context for the study. With reference to Dubin's (1978) distinctions for theoretical units as a guide, the results of concept mapping are analyzed to determine whether they are useful in building a program theory. Results are also are evaluated to determine whether they present a comprehensive, parsimonious (Whetten, 1989) and valid representation of outcomes from the community organizing intervention. Methodological and statistical considerations for using concept mapping are mentioned. The study concludes that concept mapping is a promising tool for theory articulation. Study limitations and opportunities for future research are also discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Concept Mapping, Articulation (Education), Community Organizations, Program Development, Intervention, Research Needs, Research Opportunities, Research Methodology, Statistical Studies, Concept Formation, Program Evaluation, Social Theories, Evaluation Methods, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A