Table 2 Components of a theory of change and examples of change theory and research that could inform them
From: Change theory and theory of change: what’s the difference anyway?
Component of theory of change | Description | Examples of change theory and research |
|---|---|---|
Context | Identifying, describing, and relating parts of a system | Teacher-Centered Systemic Reform Four Frames |
Outcomes, Preconditions, Rationales | What is to be achieved, what intermediate steps are required, and why | 4I Framework Theory of Planned Behavior |
Indicators | Measurements of outcomes and preconditions to determine if they are being achieved | Social Network Analysis Analysis of STEM Teaching Practices |
Interventions | Activities required to achieve a particular outcome | River Model Departmental Action Teams |
Assumptions | Implicit knowledge about the context and how change works | Appreciative Inquiry Community Cultural Wealth |