Module 2. Use and Role of Theory

Training Materials

View Presentation (PPTX, 8.5 MB)

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Module Summary

• Overview and the importance of theory in ML research
• Organizational theory
• Team and group behavior theory
• Individual behavior theory
• Panel discussion: What makes theory valuable yet practical?

Reading Materials

• Kirk, M.A., Haines, E.R., Rokoske, F.S., Powell, B.J., Weinberger, M., Hanson, L.C. and Birken, S.A., A case study of a theory-based method for identifying and reporting core functions and forms of evidence-based interventions. Translational Behavioral Medicine. 2019; published online ahead of print, Dec 3. 19 May, 2020.
• Kozlowski, S. W. J., & Klein, K. J. (2000). A multilevel approach to theory and research in organizations: Contextual, temporal, and emergent processes (PDF, 163 KB). In K. J. Klein & S. W. J. Kozlowski (Eds.), Multilevel theory, research and methods in organizations: Foundations, extensions, and new directions (pp. 3-90). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Nilsen P. Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implement Science. 2015; 21; 10:53.
• Perez Jolles M., Lengnick-Hall R., Mittman B.S. Core Functions and Forms of Complex Health Interventions: a Patient-Centered Medical Home Illustration. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2019;34(6):1032-1038. 19 May 2020.
• Weiner, B. J., Lewis, M. A., Clauser, S. B., & Stitzenberg, K. B. In search of synergy: strategies for combining interventions at multiple levels. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs, 2012; (44), 34-41.

Web Resource

MLI levels and domains of influence. NIMHD 2021. (PDF, 121 KB)

Self-reflection Questions

• What are the key theories at all levels that are relevant to studying MLIs?
• What are the key levels and theories applicable to your project?
• How are these theories used (selected, combined, applied) in designing effective MLIs and in designing and conducting MLI research?