Abstract
Process tracing is a theory-based evaluation method for studying how interventions work in actual cases. This chapter first discusses the utility of process tracing for the evaluation of complex interventions, and situates process tracing within the realm of similar within-case theory-based evaluation methods such as contribution analysis. We then present the three core
components of the method: theorization of a processual theory-of-change (pToC) that explains how an intervention contributed to produce an outcome, empirical assessment of the pToC through the traces of the activities of actors in the process, and how to draw lessons about how things work through comparison across a selection of cases. Practical advice is presented on
how process tracing can be employed in practice by evaluators in different types of situations, both as a stand-alone method and in combination with other methods, and on presenting findings from process tracing to stakeholders.
components of the method: theorization of a processual theory-of-change (pToC) that explains how an intervention contributed to produce an outcome, empirical assessment of the pToC through the traces of the activities of actors in the process, and how to draw lessons about how things work through comparison across a selection of cases. Practical advice is presented on
how process tracing can be employed in practice by evaluators in different types of situations, both as a stand-alone method and in combination with other methods, and on presenting findings from process tracing to stakeholders.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Research Handbook on Program Evaluation |
| Editors | Kathryn E. Newcomer, Steven W. Mumford |
| Publisher | Edward Elgar Publishing |
| Publication date | 2024 |
| Pages | 570-586 |
| Chapter | 29 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781803928272 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781803928289 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |