Conferences

The purpose of the presentation is to depict the use of theory-based approach in survey research. Although the approach is applied in public policy analysis, the possible usage is much broader.

It is claimed that theory based approach helps to explain the program’s success or failure – namely how and why the program achieve or fail to achieve the intended outcomes. It becomes possible because the evaluation process focuses on the examination of the conceptual foundations of the program. Moreover, the method takes into account both the context of the analyzed process and inner causal relationships. The approach is based on realist paradigm which provides stable epistemological grounds for the applied procedures. The paradigm takes advantage of both scientific rigor of positivism and constructivist concern for taking into account diverse perspectives of agents involved in the analyzed process.

Application of the method enhances survey research in a twofold manner. Firstly, it specifies the research questions which are to be answered. Secondly, it identifies the relevant respondents’ variety which shall be covered within research design.

The method was applied by authors in many evaluation studies. During the presentation the reference will be mostly made to evaluation of sub-measure 2.2.1 of Polish Sectoral Operational Programme Increase of Enterprises’ Competitiveness. The main objective of the SOP ICE is to improve the competitiveness of enterprises established in Poland, operating on the Single European Market.

The approach will be presented as an good practice example of enhancing survey methodology with qualitative methods.