Home » Enhancing Program Performance with Logic Models » Section 1: What is a Logic Model? » 1.1: A Logic Model is a map
1.1: A Logic Model is a map
A Logic Model….
- Is a simplified picture of a program, initiative, or intervention that is a response to a given situation. Many people compare a logic model with a roadmap showing how you plan to reach your destination.
- Shows the logical relationships among the resources that are invested, the activities that take place, and the benefits or changes that result.
- Some call this program theory (Wiess, 1998) or the program’s theory of action (Patton, 1997). It is a “plausible, sensible model of how a program is supposed to work.” (Bickman, 1987. p. 5)
- It portrays the underlying rationale of the program or initiative. (Chen, Cato & Rainford 1998-9, Renger & Titcomb 2002)
- Is the core of program planning, evaluation, program management, and communications.
- Some think the logic model is only used in evaluation. We find it equally helpful for planning and program design, managing programs, and communicating.