Logic Models: A Tool for Program and Evaluation Success

Prepared for the Children’s Environmental Health Sciences Core Center Advisory Committee Meeting - May 7, 2012

by Barbara Goldberg, Principal ConsultantBarbara Goldberg & Associates, LLC

What is a logic model?

• A logic model is a picture of a program’s work.

• A logic model helps you to understand what the program is and what it is meant to do.

Logic Models…

• Show the logical relationships between elements of the program.

• Show how program components relate to what the program is actually intended to do.

• Display “program theory” or “underlying rationale.”

The value of logic models…

• A logic model is a process for thinking about the nature of a program.

• Logic models can be revisited throughout the management process.

• The process of building a logic model can be as valuable as the finished product.

How can logic models be used?

Logic models can be useful at every stage:•Planning•Program Design•Program Management•Communication•Evaluation

What can’t logic models do?

Logic models:•Can’t prove causation•Can’t show all the details and intricacies of a program•Can’t answer the questions, “Are we doing the right thing?” “Should we do this program?”

What are the elements of logic models?

The elements of logic models are:

•Inputs•Activities•Outputs•Outcomes

Inputs

• Inputs are resources that are used to achieve program objectives.

• Inputs make activities possible.

• Examples of inputs are staff, volunteers, facilities, equipment, curricula, money and expertise.

Activities

• Activities are the actions a program takes, using its inputs.

• Activities include the services provided, supports developed, products created, etc.

• Examples of activities include conducting town meetings, providing mentoring, teaching job skills.

Outputs

• The number of activities provided to the target groups form outputs.

• Outputs say something about the number of participants and which activities served them.

• Examples of outputs include: 100 brochures were distributed, 30 students completed the curriculum, 27 seniors attended a presentation.

Outcomes: What difference does the program make to participants?

Immediate Outcomes•The first benefits or changes that participants experience. •Often, initial outcomes are changes in participants’ knowledge, attitudes or skills.

Intermediate Outcomes•Intermediate outcomes are often changes in behavior that result from participants’ new knowledge, attitudes or skills.•Intermediate outcomes are frequently related to action.

Ultimate Outcomes

• Ultimate outcomes are the longer-term outcomes a program desires to achieve for its participants.

• They represent meaningful changes for participants, often in their condition or status.

• Ultimate outcomes are often related to conditions.

Logic Models and Evaluation

Logic models help evaluations with:•Finding a focus (determine what to evaluate)•Asking the right questions•Knowing what information to collect

Cautionary Notes…

1. Sometimes people keep on their "blinders" and simply justify their existing programs, rather than think systematically about the behaviors, then the determinants, and finally the interventions.

2. Groups sometimes struggle while they grapple

with the complexities of reality. Reality is complex, and logic models are simplifications of that reality.

Cautionary Notes (Continued)…

3. Many groups create initial drafts of logic models. These are good first drafts but are not always followed up with better, more fully developed drafts. Often, participants do not continually improve and update their models, which is critical. (Source: D. Kirby)

Building a logic model

• A sample logic model…

• A draft of a logic model for the COEC…

NIEHS Asthma Research Portfolio Logic Model

Source: Partnership for Environmental Public Health: Evaluation Metrics Manual. p 206.

Thank you!

• To comment or for further information, contact:

Barbara GoldbergPrincipal ConsultantBarbara Goldberg & Associates, LLC302.478.7557BarbaraGoldb@gmail.com