Logic Model for Program Evaluation

Web Resources

In our role as the external evaluators on three Teaching American History grants in Tennessee, Susan Kuner and I use the principles of the logic model design extensively in our research. We highly recommend the logic model as a tool for looking at the effectiveness of any community based program. I would like to thank Larry Lowe of the Minority University Astrobiology Collaborative (MIAC) for introducing me to this strategy. (http://www.larryllowe.com/) Dr. Lowe is a professor and department chair at Benedict College in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

Below are some of the many Internet references for this program-planning tool called logic models.

http://www.wkkf.org/Programming/Overview.aspx?CID=281

Kellogg Foundation Logic Model PDF file

This is excellent guide. Be prepared to use some paper because it is over 70 pages long. It is well work printing out and keeping in a folder as a reference.

http://www.insites.org/documents/logmod.htm

An article by:

Connie C. Schmitz, Professional Evaluation Services, Minneapolis, MN

Beverly A. Parsons, InSites, Boulder, CO

What is a Logic Model?

The term "logic model" comes from the evaluation field, but these models daunt just belong to evaluators or the evaluation plan. As the term suggests, they are a basic element of programming that communicates the logic behind a program, its rationale. A logic modal's purpose is to communicate the underlying "theory" or set of assumptions or hypotheses that program proponents have about why the program will work, or about why it is a good solution to an identified problem.

Logic models are typically diagrams, flow sheets, or some other type of visual schematic that conveys relationships between contextual factors and programmatic inputs, processes, and outcomes. Logic models can come in all shapes and sizes: boxes with connecting lines that are read from left to right (or top to bottom); circular loops with arrows going in or out; or other visual metaphors and devices. What these schemata have in common are they attempt to show the links in a chain of reasoning about "what causes what," in relationship to the desired outcome or goal. The desired outcome or goal is usually shown as the last link in the model.”

http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/med/epid/excerpt.htm

Logic Model Tool Kit

http://www.cdc.gov/eval/resources.htm#logic%20model

List of web links on Logic Model

http://www.open.org/~westcapt/evaluate.htm

Building a successful prevention program

Excellent resource for evaluation tools

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html

University of Wisconsin

Colorful Logic Model example

http://www.cdc.gov/eval/index.htm

Center for Disease Control Evaluation Site—excellent resources for evaluation