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Logic Models

Program Theory

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To evaluate or not to evaluate Evaluators often find:

Goals and objectives too vague for evaluation

Programs implemented in a manner that would not achievegoals

Performance data relevant to goals not available

Stakeholders not in agreement on evaluation needs and/oruses

Theory absent from programming and evaluation efforts

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Evaluability Assessment Determines the extent to which the program

is ready to be evaluated

1. Construct program model

2. Determine if the model is ready for evaluation

3. Determine stakeholder priorities and intendeduses

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Logic Models

Often called an evaluation framework.

Graphic representation of the: the main components of a program

the desired outcomes

the assumed causal linkages between the activitiesand the outcomes

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INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Logic ModelSimplest Form

ISSUE OR PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED

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Logic ModelComponents

What

we do

Who we

reachWhat results

INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMESProgram

investments

Activities Participation Short MediumLong-term

What we

invest

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Logic Models - Components

University of WisconsinExtension Division Materials

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Logic Models

Outlines the theory of change

The sequence of events that is expected to create achange and help to resolve the problem situation

The causal connections that link what we do to thedesired results

Logic models portray a series of if-then relationsbetween inputs, outputs and outcomes

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Logic ModelTheory of Change

INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMESResources

and

Investments

Services

Target

Population

Participation Short Medium

Long-

term

Then If Then If Then If ThenIf

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Logic Model Template

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ExampleWater Quality

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Logic ModelIs NOT

A theory

Reality

An evaluation model or method

It is a framework for describing the relationshipsbetween investments, activities, and results.

It provides a common approach for integratingplanning, implementation, evaluation and reporting.

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Logic Models - Benefits

Facilitates:

Consensus building

Articulating program components and goals

Articulating program theory

Clarifying assumptions

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Logic Models - Limits

Do not necessarily represent reality

Focus on expected outcomes

Focus on positive outcomes

Tend to simplify causal connections

Does not address the appropriateness

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Logic Models and Evaluation

Valuable in program planning

Core of evaluability assessment

Provides framework for all phases of

evaluation

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Logic Models and Evaluation

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Logic ModelsHow to

Create a preliminary PLM Based on program documents (including mission

statements, reports to stakeholders, grant proposals,

etc.)

Refine though consultation Include a broad range of stakeholder representatives

(service providers, clients, managers, funders, etc.)

Program in theory versus program in action

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Logic ModelsHow to

Start with identifying the desired long-term goal

Goals are specific, measurable and attainable

Backward mapping

Ask why and how questions to elicitprogram theory and to identify gaps

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Criteria for Good Logic Models

Outputs and outcomes are distinct

The relations among program elements make logical sense

Resources are realistic

Assumptions are realistic (based on experience orresearch)

Reflects the opinions of key stakeholders