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Logic Model Tip
Sheet
Logic Models Overview
Logic models are effective tools to assist in program planning, implementation, management, evaluation, and reporting. They help define a program’s intended impact and goals; the sequence of intended effects; which activities are to produce which effect; and where to focus outcome and process evaluations. Experts in the field agree that there are connections between program success and using logic models.
What is a Logic Model?
A logic model is a graphic illustration of the relationship between a program’s resources, activities, and its intended effects. Logic models clearly and concisely show how interventions affect behavior and achieve a goal. They can be described as road maps that specify causal pathways and the step-by-step relationship between planned work and intended results. Specifically, a logic model is a visual way to illustrate the resources or inputs required to implement a program, the activities and outputs of a program, and the desired program outcomes (short-term, long-term).
What are the Basic Components of a Logic Model?
There are many ways to depict logic models. Logic models may be simple or complex. The type and complexity of the logic model will depend on program focus, the purpose of the logic model, and the audience. Sometimes, programs may utilize several logic models with differing levels of complexity for different purposes and audiences or to highlight different program elements.
The simplest form of a logic model includes three components:
Inputs Activities^ Outcomes
Inputs are the various resources available to support the program (e.g., staff, materials, curricula, funding, equipment) Activities are the action components of the program (e.g. develop or select a curriculum, write a plan, implement a curriculum, train educators, pull together a coalition). These are sometimes referred to as process objectives. Outcomes are the intended accomplishments of the program. They include short-term, intermediate, and long-term or distal outcomes.
Developing a complete logic model can be a lengthy but worthwhile process. There is not just one type of logic model format that is ‘right’ or the best to use. In developing a logic model, one may start from the outcomes and work backward, or start from inputs and activities and work forward. However, before starting, a clear and comprehensive understanding of the specific problem situation that is being addressed must be established (e.g., high rates of teen pregnancy, lack of services for certain sub-populations, teens’ lack of knowledge of contraceptive options). This typically includes reviewing existing data and relevant research as well as conducting a formal or informal assessment of available capacity, inputs, and needs. Often this information is added to a program plan’s logic model as a problem statement, situation, and/or determinants.
There are several resources (e.g. step-by-step guides, templates, on-line training) available to assist in the creation of logic model. A resources list is provided at the end of this tip sheet. Below are tips for writing goal statements, activities (or process objectives), and outcomes (outcome objectives):
Goal Statement:
A program goal is a very broad statement of intended accomplishments or a description of a general condition deemed desirable. A well-defined goal statement will establish the “overall direction and focus for the program, define what the program will achieve and serve as the foundation for developing program strategies and objectives” (CDC Evaluation Brief, No. 3a, 2008). Sometimes goals are not always achieved during the duration of the program. Goal statements do not state what will be implemented; rather, they are statements that reflect the results of what will be implemented. They should be specific to the population, setting, and problem to be addressed.
Sample Goals:
To reduce HIV rates among adolescents in X community. To reduce obesity rates in young adolescents in X state. To improve cardio-vascular fitness in youth participating in X program.
A strong Goal Statement…
Focuses on a Specific expected program effect in reducing a health problem. Identifies a Priority Population to be served. Is Jargon-free , Short, Concise, and Easily understood Frames outcomes in Positive Terms or in terms of decrease in health risk behavior/outcomes. Avoids use of double negatives. Provides a Framework for identifying strategies and objectives for achieving the goal(s). (CDC Evaluation Brief, No. 3a, 2008)
Developing a Logic Model
Outcomes, like activities, are often written more generally in the logic model (e.g. increase knowledge of STIs and their consequences, improve condom use skills, increase intentions to abstain from sex, decrease rates of unprotected sex), and written more specifically as outcome objectives in the narrative. Outcomes objectives should also be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-phased) :
Sample Outcome Objectives
By the end of the project, of the 500 youth participants, 80% (250) will indicate an 80% increase in knowledge regarding where to access reproductive health services, as measured by pre-post surveys. On the 2012 state YRBS, 90% of middle school respondents will report they have not engaged in sex. By June 30, 2012, 95% of 8th grade students who receive the HIV-prevention curriculum will report an increase their assertive communication skills on a post-survey. By June 28, 2012, increase (from 2 to 10) the number of community health centers that have implemented X curriculum to adolescents in their community. (There are currently 15 community health centers in the state.) At the end of year 1 of the project, 80% of 100 educators trained will report they feel comfortable implementing X curriculum.
Narrative Description:
Once a model is created, confirm that the model is ‘logical.’ Check this by conducting the ‘if-then’ test. Ask, “ If we use all our resources/inputs and do these activities, then will we achieve our short-term outcomes? If we achieve our short-term outcomes and continue our activities then should we achieve all our intermediate outcomes?” For each activity, ask why it is being done and if it is absolutely necessary. Make sure there are no logical gaps – that all required inputs and activities are included.
Finally, explain the logic model in a narrative. A logic model should convey its information on a single page. It is intended to be a quick snapshot. The narrative provides the detail including the process and outcome objectives discussed above. It also describes how inputs and activities will lead to intended outcomes. It often lays out the theory of change.
Logic Model Resources and References
BDI Logic Model Online Course: http://www.etr.org/recapp/logicmodelcourse/index.htm BDI Logic Model Document (D. Kirby): http://www.etr.org/recapp/documents/BDILOGICMODEL20030924.pdf
California STD/HIV Prevention Training Center: Youth Social Marketing Tool Kit (Goals and Objectives): http://www.stdhivtraining.org/YSMT_goals.html Centers for Disease Control Division of Oral Health Workbook – Logic Models: http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/state_programs/pdf/logic_models.pdf
Centers for Disease Control. Tutorials and Briefs: Index to Briefs and Tutorials: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/evaluation/resources.htm Logic Model Tutorial: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dashoet/logic_model/index.html Writing Good Goals Tutorial: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dashoet/writing_good_goals/menu.html Evaluation Brief No.3A, 2008: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/evaluation/pdf/brief3a.pdf
Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide: http://www.wkkf.org/knowledge-center/resources/2010/Logic-Model-Development-Guide.aspx
University of Wisconsin Extension, Logic Model Course and Resources: Logic Model Course: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/lmcourse/ Logic Model Training Guide: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/pdf/lmguidecomplete.pdf Logic Model Resources: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html
