OBJECTIVES

• Participants can describe how to use conceptual frameworks to guide the focus of data collection and interpret data.

OUTLINE

This part is only one session: how conceptual frameworks and causal trees can help formulate questions and priorities for information gathering in general and in unstable and crisis contexts.

The session may be longer if optional activities are included to build a conceptual framework. (This is particularly useful if participants have not undergone a UNICEF PP Training or if this training is focused on a sector/issue for which a conceptual framework exists. If no conceptual framework exists, it will and should take a significant amount of time to develop one.)

4.2.1

USING CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS AND CAUSAL TREES

See text above for Part 4.2 "Outline".

FN	Using conceptual frameworks and causal trees Participants are introduced to the notion of conceptual frameworks and a specific example, working out the causal chain as necessary. The effects of instability and/or humanitarian crisis are explored as an exercise in adapting the conceptual framework to a context-specific problem tree. Participants are then given specific tasks in plenary or groups to use the conceptual framework to help identify information needed in the case of an emergency rapid assessment or the design of programme monitoring systems or an evaluation.
CCS	Using conceptual frameworks and causal trees
OH	Conceptual frameworks

Links with other sessions
Programme logic models (2.2.1 and 2.2.2)
Conceptual frameworks and their adaptation in context-specific causal or problem trees help us understand underlying structures and hierarchies of problems. They are usually a first step in developing a programme logic model, which is then used to develop a logical framework analysis.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

UNICEF (1998). The State of the World's Children.
Contains the framework on child malnutrition, death and disability.

UNICEF (2004). Programme Policy and Procedure Manual.

UNHCR INSPECTION AND EVALUATION OFFICE (1998). Planning and Organising Useful Evaluations. UNHCR, Geneva. Available on http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home by advanced search, selecting Research function.