LOGIC MODELS AND THEORY OF CHANGE

Frameworks & Approaches

 

Frameworks & Approaches describe popular ways to gather and make sense of data.

LOGIC MODELS AND THEORY OF CHANGE

Terms such as ‘logic model’, ‘programme logic’, ‘intervention logic’, ‘results chain’, ‘log frame’, ‘theory of change’, and ‘programme theory’ are often used interchangeably.

Logic models and theory of change are created together, each with a slightly different emphasis.

Logic models show pathways of change between:
  • Resources/inputs – what you have.
  • Activities – what you do.
  • Outputs – what you produce.
  • Outcomes – the results.

Creating a logic model helps all involved think about what they’re doing, what they expect to achieve and what they need to do to get all the important stuff done.

Logic models can also include a:

  • Problem statement – why the service or project is needed (can be expressed as the purpose).
  • Goal – the overall vision or aim of the service or project.
  • Rationale – an explanation of how and why the change pathway will work to address the problem. 
  • Assumptions – the ideas and beliefs that underpin the rationale.
  • Context – the internal and external factors that might influence the ability to achieve results.

These contribute to the theory of change. 

Logic Model

  1.   USEFUL RESOURCES

    • The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has published a logic model development guide that explains why you would want to use logic models and how to develop one.

    • Module 2 in this evaluation handbook provides explanations of theory of change and logic models, and guidance on how to develop your own logic model, who to involve, and how to engage stakeholders. It also provides links to further resources. 

     

      VIDEO RESOURCES

    A brief introduction to logic models.

    A short example about developing a            theory of change.

    A more detailed guide to logic models. 

    1.  

    WHEN TO USE A LOGIC MODEL

    Ideally, logic models would be used to plan a new or adapt an existing project or service. You can also use them as a framework to track implementation and to review and report on progress. 

    Logic models are most useful to get people to think through and develop a shared understanding about a project.

    A logic model should be adapted as new things are learned about how outcomes can be achieved.

    Logic models demonstrate:

      • What goes in – inputs.
      • What you expect to do – activities.
      • What you expect to produce – outputs.
      • What results you expect to achieve – outcomes.

    Logic models do not necessarily provide evidence that something has been achieved. Nor do they demonstrate the value of the service. They reveal intention, assumptions and rationale behind a project. They link what you meant to happen and what did happen. They also provide a framework for monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress.

      Advantages:

      • Easy to use – simple format, logical and sequential.
      • Builds a common understanding of goals, processes and expectations for resources – lets you easily share ideas, identify assumptions, build your team and communicate.
      • Helps you design your project or service and improve and identify issues that are critical to achieve results and to identify what is no longer relevant to your goal.
      • Can explain the relevance of a service in the organisation or community.
      • Guides what is important to measure and evaluate, so supports data collection.

      Limitations

      • Services and projects are not linear; a range of factors influence results.
      • A logic model focuses on the expected results, rather than the unintended or unexpected.
      • A logic model doesn’t address the questions: “are we doing the right thing?” “should we do this programme?”

      Theory of Change

      Logic models are the diagrams or pictures used to ‘neatly’ represent the underlying theory of change. The theory of change takes a wider view and explains the thinking behind the change pathway shown in the model.

      A theory of change supports and builds on a logic model. Typically, a theory of change:

      • Shows the big picture, including issues that you can’t control.
      • Shows the different ways that might lead to change, even if they’re not related to your project or service, and describes a clear narrative for your choice of project.
      • Describes how and why you think change happens.
      • Describes why you think one way will lead on to another, eg if you think increased knowledge will change behaviour, is that an assumption or do you have evidence to show it is the case?

      Together with logic models, theory of change is used as a tool to design, monitor and evaluate programmes.