TY - JOUR
T1 - Along the way to developing a theory of the program
T2 - A re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy
AU - Helitzer, Deborah L.
AU - Sussman, Andrew L.
AU - Hoffman, Richard M.
AU - Getrich, Christina M.
AU - Warner, Teddy D.
AU - Rhyne, Robert L.
N1 - Funding Information:
We would like to acknowledge that financial support for the research presented in this manuscript was provided by the National Cancer Institute (NIH), Grant 5R21CA121066 .
PY - 2014/8
Y1 - 2014/8
N2 - Purpose: Conceptual frameworks (CF) have historically been used to develop program theory. We re-examine the literature about the role of CF in this context, specifically how they can be used to create descriptive and prescriptive theories, as building blocks for a program theory. Using a case example of colorectal cancer screening intervention development, we describe the process of developing our initial CF, the methods used to explore the constructs in the framework and revise the framework for intervention development. Methods: We present seven steps that guided the development of our CF: (1) assemble the "right" research team, (2) incorporate existing literature into the emerging CF, (3) construct the conceptual framework, (4) diagram the framework, (5) operationalize the framework: develop the research design and measures, (6) conduct the research, and (7) revise the framework. Results: A revised conceptual framework depicted more complicated inter-relationships of the different predisposing, enabling, reinforcing, and system-based factors. The updated framework led us to generate program theory and serves as the basis for designing future intervention studies and outcome evaluations. Conclusions: A CF can build a foundation for program theory. We provide a set of concrete steps and lessons learned to assist practitioners in developing a CF.
AB - Purpose: Conceptual frameworks (CF) have historically been used to develop program theory. We re-examine the literature about the role of CF in this context, specifically how they can be used to create descriptive and prescriptive theories, as building blocks for a program theory. Using a case example of colorectal cancer screening intervention development, we describe the process of developing our initial CF, the methods used to explore the constructs in the framework and revise the framework for intervention development. Methods: We present seven steps that guided the development of our CF: (1) assemble the "right" research team, (2) incorporate existing literature into the emerging CF, (3) construct the conceptual framework, (4) diagram the framework, (5) operationalize the framework: develop the research design and measures, (6) conduct the research, and (7) revise the framework. Results: A revised conceptual framework depicted more complicated inter-relationships of the different predisposing, enabling, reinforcing, and system-based factors. The updated framework led us to generate program theory and serves as the basis for designing future intervention studies and outcome evaluations. Conclusions: A CF can build a foundation for program theory. We provide a set of concrete steps and lessons learned to assist practitioners in developing a CF.
KW - Conceptual framework
KW - Evaluation research
KW - Formative research
KW - Intervention design
KW - Theory
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U2 - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.04.005
DO - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.04.005
M3 - Article
C2 - 24836998
AN - SCOPUS:84900825125
SN - 0149-7189
VL - 45
SP - 157
EP - 163
JO - Evaluation and Program Planning
JF - Evaluation and Program Planning
ER -