Enhancing the Effectiveness of Logic Models

Abstract

One of the most widely used communication tools in evaluation is the logic model. Despite its extensive use, there has been little research into the visualization aspect of the logic model. To assess the impact that design modifications would have on its effectiveness, we applied established visualization principles to revise a program model. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions to examine the effectiveness (i.e., visual efficiency, comprised of accuracy, response time, and mental effort; credibility; aesthetics) of variations to a logic model. The results demonstrated that the revisions to the model increased accuracy, perceived message credibility, and were considered more aesthetically pleasing; furthermore, revisions decreased mental effort and reduced the amount of time taken to review the model. Together, the findings from the study support the claim that visual efficiency can be improved by modifying a logic model’s formatting and design.

Social Marketing Plan to Decrease the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Senior Citizens in Rural India

“…What will be measured? A logic model [30] can guide what a social marketer will measure to achieve the evaluation. The model that follows (Table 5) is a visual schematic that helps to organize the social marketing program evaluation measures into various categories that can be measured and reported by a logical flow starting with inputs, outputs, outcomes, impacts, and return of investments (ROI).…”

Aiming for Success

“…Though it may seem self-evident that the internal logic of a policy should be evaluated, policy makers face a variety of pressures that can lead to logical inconsistencies in policy. The evaluation literature makes extensive use of logic models for evaluation policies and programs (Jones et al 2020;Kaplan and Garrett 2005;McLaughlin and Jordan 1999;Renger 2006;Renger and Titcomb 2002). Logic models are useful for clarifying the underlying implicit assumptions that go into a policy or program (McLaughlin and Jordan 1999).…”

“…Researchers can use draft texts of the proposed policy, speeches, or news releases from key policy makers, and expert evidence to assess the antecedent conditions and targets of the policy. Further, representing the logical assumptions visually is a useful tool for making the evaluation more accessible to the general public (Jones et al 2020).…”

Five ways to get a grip on the drawbacks of logic models in program evaluation

“…They provide relatively simple, diagrammatic representations of the 'how' and 'why' that underlies how specified interventions function. 1,2 Often, they illustrate the strategic intentions behind interventions, which highlight the perceived linkages between planned activities, and anticipated outcomes 3 . Logic models are frequently used to guide communication with program stakeholders 1,4 as well as to identify target areas for monitoring and evaluation.…”

“…1,2 Often, they illustrate the strategic intentions behind interventions, which highlight the perceived linkages between planned activities, and anticipated outcomes 3 . Logic models are frequently used to guide communication with program stakeholders 1,4 as well as to identify target areas for monitoring and evaluation. 5 However, given several limitations, some question whether they are an appropriate tool for current evaluation intitiaves.…”