Self-assessment questions (SAQs)
SAQ 1
A friend of yours has never heard the term ‘Theory of Change’ before. In no more than two sentences, describe to her what the Theory of Change is, what it is used for and why it is important. Type your answer into the text box below.
Discussion
Answer: Did you use any phrases similar to those below?
- It is a tool that helps define the relationship between a development problem and the strategies used to address it.
- It is usually a diagram containing boxes and arrows laid out to show how various elements fit together, and why the proposed strategy should work.
- It is used to explain why particular activities are planned to take place and so justifying the use of resources.
- It connects stakeholders, clarifying a common pathway to a shared goal, promoting understanding of stakeholders’ roles and thus a sense of ownership among those involved.
- It includes identification of assumptions, which can help to identify and plan for potential risks.
SAQ 2
Match each of the elements of a Theory of Change below with the element that comes after it:
Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.
The audience
The steps needed to bring about change
The goal
a.The wider benefits
b.The problem
c.The entry point
- 1 = b
- 2 = c
- 3 = a
SAQ 3
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
Discussion
False: You want stakeholders to be part of the process and learn together.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Discussion
True: The process is likely to involve challenging assumptions about the goal and problem, but you cannot assemble relevant stakeholders if you do not have initial ideas about the goal and the problem.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Discussion
True: This is probably true, although you would not be the first to try.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Discussion
True: There is unlikely to be unanimous agreement at each step of the way and a majority decision may sometimes be a feasible outcome.
SAQ 4
In the example of maternal mortality, an assumption was made that if women deliver their babies in a healthcare facility they will have a better outcome (i.e. maternal mortality will be reduced). Can you challenge this assumption? Make a few brief notes in the text box below.
Discussion
This may seem a reasonable assumption, but whether delivery in a healthcare facility leads to a better outcome depends on many factors. For example:
- Women may live far from healthcare facilities and the travel may pose a risk to them.
- The healthcare facility may be understaffed or staffed by untrained personnel.
- Equipment in the healthcare facility may be inadequate.
- Traditional birth attendants in village settings may be well trained and a better option for women in some cases.
Although many of these issues are addressed in the Theory of Change, they may raise some questions about the timing of the changes that need to happen. For example, improvements at the healthcare facilities should take place before women are encouraged to attend there to deliver their babies.