Overview: Uses of and Alternatives to Logic Models

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Overview Uses of and Alternatives to Logic Models

• Heather H. Boyd, Ph.D.
• University of Wisconsin-Extension
• Cooperative Extension

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Overview

• Shared understandings for todays presentation
• Logic models can be used in evaluation but are
  not, in themselves, evaluation
• Evaluation is gathering credible information that
  describes results associated with your
  programming
• Program improvement
• Program outcomes and/or impact

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Logic Models

• Visual display that connects inputs to outputs to
  intended results (or a variation of this)
• Can be horizontal, vertical, any shape
  horizontal and linear is a frequent choice

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A Basic Logic Model

• INPUTS ? OUTPUTS ? OUTCOMES

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Description of Parts

• Inputs resources that you use
• Outputs products or activities that you intend
  to connect with program participants
• Outcomes the results associated with your
  programming

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More detail

• Different people and groups have different
  preferences regarding what they include in their
  logic model(s)
• Can also include situation, priority setting,
  external influences, assumptions

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Applied Example

• INPUTS
• Staff ?
• Funding
• Participant motivation
• OUTPUTS
• Workshops ?
• Technical assistance
• INTENDED OUTCOME
• Improved performance in
• program evaluation

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Another Logic Model Example
In other words, your logic model can look like
whatever you want it to. Exceptions are when a
logic model template is either expected to be
used or required to be used.
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Purpose of a Logic Model

• To describe a program and why it works
• To illustrate presumed or intended effects

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Limitations of Logic Models

• It is only a model, not reality
• Programs are more dynamic than a model can convey
• Might lead one to assume cause and effect when
  that assumption could be false

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Alternatives to Logic Models

• A group conversation
• A brief narrative about the program and its
  intended consequences
• A set of if-then statements that link your
  activities to your intended results

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Ask Yourself

• Is creating a logic model right for your program
  or do you already have the information available
  in another format?
• Who are the audiences for the logic model? Will
  they find the information useful?

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Ask Yourself

• How can your logic model or group discussion
  involve stakeholders in decision-making roles
  early on?
• Will the group activity of creating a logic model
  enhance your programming? If so, how?

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References

• Taylor-Powell
• www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel
  .html
• Schmitz Parsons
• www.insites.org/documents/logmod.htm
• McCawley
• The Logic Model for Program Planning and
  Evaluation

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Resources

• Examples
• http//www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/
• evaluation/evallogicmodelexamples.html
• In-depth on-line logic model course
• http//www.uwex.edu/ces/lmcourse/