Logic Models & Indicators 1, 2
Logic models frame the context and assumptions underpinning your initiative and evaluation, as well as visually represent the relationships between your objectives, activities, and the intended effects. As you progress to the point of developing a strategic direction and devise ways to measure your progress, building a logic model can be a tool to anchor key decisions and guide future steps. Using a logic model increases the likelihood of success for your initiative and evaluation because it:
• Becomes a reference point for everyone involved in the initiative; • Helps identify potential obstacles so they can be addressed; and • Can be revised to reflect changes in context, resources, activities, or expectations
For evaluation purposes in particular, a logic model is useful for:
• Determining what to evaluate; • Knowing what information to collect (indicators) and when to collect data; and • Deciding data collection methods, sources, and instruments
Although there is no single template for building a logic model, some standard rules apply. Specifically, a logic model should be:
• Displayed on a single (1) page • Visually engaging and easy to follow • Appropriate in its level of detail • Comprised of two aspects: 1) process, and 2) outcomes
The basic components of a logic model are diagramed and defined below7. A tool for building your own logic model is included as part of this Action Guide.
§ Inputs: the resources that go into your initiative – what you invest. They may include financial, personnel, or in-‐kind resources.
1 Centers from Disease Control & Prevention. (nd). Evaluation Guide: Developing and Using a Logic Model. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2 W.K. Kellogg Foundation. (2004). Logic Model Development Guide. Battle Creek, MI.
§ Activities: the events undertaken by the initiative or stakeholders to produce the desired outcomes – what you do.
§ Outputs: the direct, tangible results of activities – what you get. They are usually described in terms of the number of people served and/or the scope of services and products produced by the initiative.
§ Outcomes/Impacts: the desired results of the initiative – what you achieve. They may include observed changes in frequency or rates of health-‐related attitudes, behaviors, or outcomes. They may also be organizational, community, or system-‐level changes such as improved infrastructure, the ability to generate funding, increased capacity, or changes in policy.
§ Assumptions: the beliefs you have about the initiative and resources involved. They are typically based on research, best practices, and past experiences.
§ Contextual Factors: describe the environment and external factors that interact and may influence the initiative. These are typically conditions over which you have little or no control to change.
In the most basic sense, an indicator is the specific information or evidence that needs to be collected in order to indicate the status of your initiative and measure the outcome that is expected to change. The following table8 organizes some common indicators, by focus area.
Focus Area Indicators; Instruments How to Evaluate
Influential Factors Levels of knowledge, skills, intentions, policies
Population surveys or key informant interviews
Compare the extent of influences before and after your initiative
Resources Amount of funding or personnel
Financial or staffing logs/reports
Compare actual resources acquired or utilized, against what was anticipated
Activities
Description of planned activities
Logs/reports of actual activities, feedback from participants
Compare actual activities provided and types of participants reached, against what was proposed
Outputs
Activities, services and/or products planned
Reports of activities, services, and/or actual products delivered
Compare the quantity and quality of activities and/or products of what was actually delivered, against what was expected
Outcomes & Impacts
Frequency or rate of a health outcome or health behavior thought to result from your initiative
Population surveys or state or national data sets
Compare the measures before and after your initiative
Important Distinction: Outputs are measures of implementation – they assess quantity and quality of specific activities, and can usually be tracked right away. Outcomes are measures of effectiveness – they assess changes during or after the initiative, or compared to other initiatives, and usually need to be monitored over time in order to be realized.
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