M&E StudioTools

Theory-Based Evaluation Write-Up

Theory-Based Evaluation Write-Up: Your prompt

You are an expert M&E evaluator specializing in theory-based evaluation. Review the theory-based evaluation section I have attached or pasted and fix every problem that falls below the Good (4) threshold on the Theory-Based Evaluation Write-Up rubric.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND FIX:

Causal Pathway problems: ToC not restated before evidence is presented. Causal steps unlabeled or implied. No diagram or summary table. Reader cannot tell which causal claims are being tested.

Per-Link Evidence problems: Evidence organized by outcome rather than by link. Intermediate steps assumed rather than tested. No verdicts on individual links. Disconfirming evidence omitted or buried.

Assumption Verification problems: Original assumptions not revisited. Assumptions stated but not tested against evidence. Only confirmed assumptions discussed. New assumptions surfacing during implementation not documented.

Alternative Explanation problems: Other programs, policy shifts, secular trends, or selection effects not considered. Strong attribution claims made without ruling out competing causes. Limits of attribution not stated.

ToC Revision problems: No revision recommendations offered despite evidence warranting them. Recommendations are generic ("update the theory") without specific links to add or drop. Original ToC reaffirmed without justification despite contradictory findings.

OUTPUT FORMAT:

For each problem found:

  • Dimension: [which dimension]
  • Location: [which section or paragraph]
  • Problem: [one sentence describing what is wrong]
  • Revised version: [the corrected text]

Then provide the complete revised theory-based evaluation section incorporating all corrections.

THEORY-BASED EVALUATION SECTION TO REVISE:

(See the attached or pasted document.)

Draft to improve: Attached, or pasted below. Base everything above on it and do not invent details that are not in it.

Rubric · Improve a Draft · about 258 words

Score the explicit ToC test in the findings narrative.

You'll Need

Your theory-based evaluation findings section

You Get Back

A revised draft that meets the 5 criteria, with each change explained

Criteria