Towards a Theory of Change for Community-based Research Projects

Authors

  • Rich Janzen Centre for Community Based Research
  • Joanna Ochocka Centre for Community Based Research
  • Alethea Stobbe Centre for Community Based Research

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v2i2.165

Keywords:

Community-based research, research quality, program theory of change

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a preliminary theory of change for community-based research projects. The theory of change emerged from a Canadian Summit titled, “Pursuing Excellence in Collaborative Community-Campus Research.” The article begins by providing a rationale for why a theory of change could be helpful to advance the agenda of community-based research (i.e., concept clarification, guide to action, and quality assessment). Next we describe how our preliminary theory of change was developed, before outlining the theory of change under the headings of activities, intended outcomes, and sample indicators. We conclude by discussing what is needed in order to deepen our understanding of the theory of change for community-based research projects.

Author Biographies

Rich Janzen, Centre for Community Based Research

Rich Janzen is co-director of the Centre for Community Based Research and adjunct assistant professor at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. He has completed over 120 community-based research and knowledge mobilization projects. Rich has an academic background in community psychology and religious studies.

Joanna Ochocka, Centre for Community Based Research

Joanna Ochocka is co-director of the Centre for Community Based Research and adjunct associate professor at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. She was principle investigator for the SSHRC-funded National Summit titled Pursuing Excellence in Collaborative Community-Campus Research. Joanna is vice-chair of Community Based Research Canada.

Alethea Stobbe, Centre for Community Based Research

Alethea Stobbe (MSW) is a researcher at the Centre for Community Based Research. She has worked on a number of research and evaluation projects related to health and wellness as well as food insecurity.

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Published

2017-06-23

How to Cite

Janzen, R., Ochocka, J., & Stobbe, A. (2017). Towards a Theory of Change for Community-based Research Projects. Engaged Scholar Journal: Community-Engaged Research, Teaching, and Learning, 2(2), 44–64. https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v2i2.165

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2016): Fall Issue

Section

Essays

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