Orsi, Rebecca, authorCobb, R. Brian, advisorHoeting, Jennifer A., committee memberLynham, Susan A., committee memberSpeer, Paul W., committee member2007-01-032007-01-032011http://hdl.handle.net/10217/48161concept mappingThe purpose of this methodological study is to explore how well a process called (Trochim, 1989) can articulate the theory which underlies a social program. Articulation of a program's theory is a key step in completing a sound theory based evaluation (Weiss, 1997a). In this study, concept mapping is used to articulate the outcomes domain of a program theory, using Chen's (1990) six domains for program theory as an organizing framework. A grassroots community organization in Denver, Colorado, provides context for the study. With reference to Dubin's (1978) distinctions for theoretical units as a guide, the results of concept mapping are analyzed to determine whether they are useful in building a program theory. Results are also are evaluated to determine whether they present a comprehensive, parsimonious (Whetten, 1989) and valid representation of outcomes from the community organizing intervention. Methodological and statistical considerations for using concept mapping are mentioned. The study concludes that concept mapping is a promising tool for theory articulation. Study limitations and opportunities for future research are also discussed.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.community organizingconcept mappingprogram evaluationprogram theoryresearch methodstheory based evaluationText