Understanding Logic Models

A logic model is a tool used to visually describe the linkages between program goals, activities, and expected outcomes. They describe how a program should work, present the planned activities for the program, describe how activities will be documented, and focus on anticipated outcomes. It is important to remember that logic models present a theory about the expected program outcome. They do not demonstrate whether the program caused the observed outcome. Diagrams or pictures that illustrate the logical relationship among key program elements through a sequence of "if-then" statements are often used when presenting logic models. (text adapted from https://www.bja.gov/evaluation/glossary/glossary_l.htm and the Juvenile Justice Evaluation Center)

Why Create a Logic Model?

Logic model development offers the following benefits:

• Clearly identify program goals, objectives, activities, and desired results
• Clarify assumptions and relationships between program efforts and expected outcomes
• Communicate key elements of the program
• Help specify what to measure in an evaluation
• Guide assessment of underlying project assumptions and promotes self-correction