Program theory

A program theory explains how and why a program is expected to work. It provides a description of why the things you do should lead to the intended results. Most health and social service programs are designed to improve society or the lives of individuals, and the program theory describes how.

One way to outline a program theory is using if-then statements. IF an activity is done, THEN something will change. A program theory can also include social or psychological theories to support why a behavioural or attitudinal change is expected (but doesn’t have to).