What is the primary purpose of program theory evaluation?

The primary purpose of program theory evaluation is to understand how and why a program works by examining the underlying theory behind its design. This approach focuses on identifying and analyzing the assumptions, mechanisms, and causal pathways that are hypothesized to lead to desired outcomes. By understanding the program's theory, evaluators can assess whether the intended inputs, activities, and outputs are effectively linked to achieving the program's objectives.

This evaluation is essential because it allows stakeholders to make informed decisions about program improvements, resource allocation, and overall effectiveness. By gathering evidence about the program’s theory, evaluators can provide insights into whether the program is likely to achieve its goals and how it can be improved.

In contrast, other options do not pertain to the core intent of program theory evaluation. For instance, verifying financial projections focuses on the economic aspects rather than evaluating program effectiveness or the rationale behind its design. Assessing personnel effectiveness and conducting market analysis also concentrate on different aspects of organizational performance and educational or market contexts instead of the underlying theoretical framework that informs program operations.