Difference #1: The ToC gives the ‘big picture’ and summarises work at a strategic level, while a logical framework illustrate a programme (implementation) level understanding of the change process. In other words, the Logical Framework is like a microscopic lens that zooms in on a specific pathway within the TOC.

A theory is aimed at a generalized statement aimed at explaining a phenomenon. A model, on the other hand, is a purposeful representation of reality. Another way to link the two and point out differences is, a model is often used to describe an application of a theory for a particular case.

Theory of Change (ToC) is a methodology for planning, participation, and evaluation that is used in companies, philanthropy, not-for-profit and government sectors to promote social change. Theory of Change defines long-term goals and then maps backward to identify necessary preconditions.

To create your own theory following these three steps:

1. Describe in detail the patterns of communication you observe. For example: I see when teenage males talk to teenage females face-to face they consistently stand 3 feet apart.
2. Explain what you think the causes are for these patterns.
3. Name your theory.

There are many definitions out there, but there is some common ground to them. They all tend to agree that a theory needs to be (a) substantiated, (b) explanatory, (c) predictive, and (d) testable. A theory needs to make predictions that can be tested, so that the theory itself can, in principle, be rejected.

A good theory in the theoretical sense is (1) consistent with empirical observations; is (2) precise, (3) parsimonious, (4) explanatorily broad, and (5) falsifiable; and (6) promotes scientific progress (among others; Table 1.1).

A useful theory has a mutual and dynamic interaction with research data.  The most important criteria of a useful theory is its ability to stimulate and guide further research. Without an adequate theory to point the way, many of science’s present empirical findings would have. remained undiscovered.

Chris Argyris is one of the world’s most respected management thinkers. Argyris is best known for his theory, in collaboration with the late philosophy scholar Donald Schön, on the two types of learning — single-loop and double-loop. This theory refers to the way people respond to changes in their environment.

The Uses and Gratification theory discusses the effects of the media on people. It explains how people use the media for their own need and get satisfied when their needs are fulfilled. In other words, it can be said that the theory argues what people do with media rather than what media does to people.

A parsimonious theory is concise, elegant, and simple. There are not too many constructs or hypotheses. Simply put, parsimony refers to a theory’s “simplicity”. A good scientific theory needs to be testable too.

Criminological theories attempt to explain what is often inexplicable and to examine what is often the cruelty, oppression, or even evil some visit on others. They are sci- entific examinations of a particular social phenomenon.