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Theory of Change in Digital Behavior Change Interventions (Dbcis) And Community-Based Change Initiatives - A General Framework

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  • Dana Rad

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Social Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Center of Research Development and Innovation in Psychology)

  • Gavril Rad

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Psychology and Social Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Center of Research Development and Innovation in Psychology)

Abstract

A theory of change is a purposeful model of how an initiative, such as a policy, a strategy, a program, a project or an intervention contributes through a chain of early and intermediate outcomes to the intended result. Theories of change help navigate the complexity of social change. Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs) and Community-based change initiatives represent complex designable systems. The goal of the DCBI is to provide an effective theoretical framework for behavioral change to practitioners that offer different forms of psychological intervention based on scientifically validated practices. Applying theory of change when designing digital individual and community interventions for optimizing digital wellbeing helps practitioners to achieve results in practice, as this strategic approach is generally considered an evidence-based framework. Theory of change is useful to guide the strategic thinking and action, as most of DCBI/ Community-based change initiatives research endeavors are active in a complex situation, often unplanned events happening. Conclusions and implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Dana Rad & Gavril Rad, 2021. "Theory of Change in Digital Behavior Change Interventions (Dbcis) And Community-Based Change Initiatives - A General Framework," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 21(1), pages 554-569, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:tec:journl:v:21:y:2021:i:1:p:554-569
    DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v21i1.3950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Archibald, Thomas & Sharrock, Guy & Buckley, Jane & Cook, Natalie, 2016. "Assumptions, conjectures, and other miracles: The application of evaluative thinking to theory of change models in community development," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 119-127.
    2. Rick Davies, 2018. "Representing theories of change: technical challenges with evaluation consequences," Journal of Development Effectiveness, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(4), pages 438-461, October.
    3. Dana Rad & Edgar Demeter, 2020. "A Moderated Mediation Effect of Online Time Spent on Internet Content Awareness, Perceived Online Hate Speech and Helping Attitudes Disposal of Bystanders," Postmodern Openings, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 11(2Sup1), pages 107-124, September.
    4. Edward T. Jackson, 2013. "Interrogating the theory of change: evaluating impact investing where it matters most," Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 3(2), pages 95-110, April.
    5. Dana Rad & Tiberiu Dughi & Edgar Demeter & rad.gabi@yahoo.com, 2019. "The Dynamics of the Relationship between Humor and Benevolence as Values," Revista romaneasca pentru educatie multidimensionala - Journal for Multidimensional Education, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 11(3), pages 201-212, September.
    6. Lambe, Fiona & Ran, Ylva & Jürisoo, Marie & Holmlid, Stefan & Muhoza, Cassilde & Johnson, Oliver & Osborne, Matthew, 2020. "Embracing complexity: A transdisciplinary conceptual framework for understanding behavior change in the context of development-focused interventions," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    7. Dana Rad & Edgar Demeter, 2019. "Youth Sustainable Digital Wellbeing," Postmodern Openings, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 10(4), pages 104-115, December.
    8. Dana Rad & Valentina Balas & Ramona Lile & Edgar Demeter & Tiberiu Dughi & Gavril Rad, 2020. "Statistical Properties of a New Social Media Context Awareness Scale (SMCA)—A Preliminary Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, June.
    9. Dana Timar Rad & Tiberiu Dughi & Alina Roman & Sonia Ignat, 2019. "Perspectives of Consent Silence in Cyberbullying," Postmodern Openings, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 10(2), pages 57-73, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Theory of Change; Digital behavior change interventions (DBCIs); Community-based change initiatives; Digital Wellbeing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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