II. Using A Logic Model for Evaluation Planning

Before you plan your evaluation, we recommend that you develop a program "logic model." The logic model lays out what the program is expected to achieve and how it is expected to work, based on an expected chain of events that link:

  1. the risk and protective factors that your program is addressing—the Goals—to
  2. the procedures and activities that will be implemented—the Strategies—to
  3. the people who participate in or are influenced by the program—the Target Population—to
  4. the program's assumptions about why those changes will occur—the Theory of Change or "If-Then Statement"—to
  5. the immediate changes that are expected in individuals, organizations, or communities—the Short-Term Outcomes—to
  6. the final consequences—Long-Term Impacts.

This chain of events that links inputs to outputs to outcomes in response to a situation is your "logic model." It articulates what you hope to achieve and how. It is based on a series of ordered actions that are logically linked. All begin with a clear specification of the situation—the problem or issue—being addressed in order to indicate the most appropriate chain of events. Too often we begin with a program, intervention, activity, or service that seems like a good idea and then try to make it fit the situation or problem. Understanding your community's issues in order to design an appropriate program will involve a needs assessment, prioritization process, and resources assessment [See Steps 2-5].

A. Who should develop the Logic Model?

We recommend that you engage as many key stakeholders as possible in developing the program's logic model. This builds a sense of commitment and shared direction. Often, differences in perceptions and ideas about expected outcomes, procedures and philosophies emerge during these discussions. Developing the logic model together may unearth or accentuate divergent opinions on how to reach the end. For instance, partners may all want to reduce the rate of teenage drunk driving, but differ on the best way to do this. Engaging in a discourse about expected outcomes and how to achieve those outcomes makes it possible to acknowledge such differences and work toward understanding and consensus.

Working on a logic model can also help build ownership of both the program and evaluation. It helps key stakeholders recognize the limits of what the program can do and how other community factors may influence the achievement of long-term goals

B. Benefits of a Logic Model

Groups often do not want to spend time at the outset of their collaboration to develop a logic model. For some, creating a map of the program may seem overly rational or unrealistic. We're often asked how one can anticipate the flow of the complex, dynamic processes that are involved in many service programs. Indeed there are many components of some programs that are beyond your control and ability to anticipate. For others, it seems like a waste of time and energy to map out what seems obvious. However, we urge you to engage in this process as a part of your evaluation and program planning. Taking time to develop a logic model not only makes explicit the intended outcomes and assumptions of the project, but makes evaluation more feasible and effective. It enables you to focus on appropriate evaluation questions that have meaning and value to key stakeholders.

Building a logic model provides the following benefits:

  1. A logic model develops understanding. It helps build understanding, if not consensus, about what the program is, what it expects to do, and what measures of success it will use.
  2. A logic model helps to monitor progress. It provides a plan to track changes so that successes can be replicated and mistakes avoided.
  3. A logic model serves as evaluation framework. It makes it possible to identify appropriate evaluation questions and relevant data that are needed.
  4. A logic model helps to reveal assumptions. It helps program planners to be more deliberate about what they are doing and identifies assumptions that may need validating.
  5. A logic model helps to restrain over-promising. It helps program planners and others realize the limits and potential of any one program.
  6. A logic model promotes communications. It creates a simple communication piece useful in portraying and marketing your program.

The attached Logic Model Worksheet will help you to lay out your logic model.

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Page last updated: 11/13/2008