Without using program theory, the evaluation is only able to determine if the program met narrowly defined goals rather than satisfied theoretical implications.

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Without program theory, the evaluation is typically limited to assessing whether the program achieved specific goals rather than exploring the underlying principles and assumptions that guided the program's design and implementation. Program theory enables evaluators to identify the key components of a program, the intended pathways of change, and the conditions necessary to produce expected outcomes. Without this framework, evaluations may miss important nuances and fail to uncover unexpected impacts, unintended consequences, or implementation challenges that can illuminate opportunities for program improvement.

Without Using Program Theory, the Evaluation Is Only Able to Determine