Faculty of Education - Theses

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Subject: Australia × Type: Masters Research thesis × Start date: 2001 × End date: 2001 × Author: Rhodes, Alan ×

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    A program theory of the Bushfire blitz program
    Rhodes, Alan ( 2001)
    Program theory has become increasingly prominent in evaluation in recent years. The thesis explores the notion of program theory by examining the writings of several evaluators and attempts to distill the key elements of a comprehensive model of program theory from a realist perspective. This model of program theory is used as a basis to develop a program theory of the Bushfire Blitz program, a community-based education and advice program intended to increase residents' preparedness to deal with the bushfire risk. The thesis reviews literature in the fields of risk perception, risk communication and the adoption of precautionary behaviours. Several evaluation studies of Bushfire Blitz are also considered. The findings from the literature review and the review of evaluation studies are synthesised to develop a program theory of Bushfire Blitz. The thesis examines how individuals and communities respond to risk, the nature of preparedness for the bushfire risk and decision making processes in response to risk. Examination of these aspects is essential in order to understand how the Bushfire Blitz program can bring about change in both individual and community response to the bushfire risk. The program theory developed in the thesis highlights the importance of several crucial aspects of realist approaches to evaluation such as the role of psychosocial mechanisms, the nature of program effects at both micro and macro levels, and the effects of contextual complexity on the program. The program theory provides guidance for program improvement and the basis for on-going evaluation of Bushfire Blitz and similar programs to address the risk from natural hazards.