The Future of Logic Models:
Logic Models in 3D
Isaac D. Castillo
@isaac_outcomes
Elizabeth Grim
@ecgrim
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Elizabeth Grim
Director of Community Impact
Connecticut Data Collaborative
@ecgrim
Isaac Castillo
Director of Outcomes,
Assessment, and Learning
Venture Philanthropy Partners
@Isaac_outcomes
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Inputs Activities Outputs
ST
Outcomes
IT
Outcomes
LT
Outcomes
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Teach Learn Do
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https://bit.ly/35FftgR
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Chris Lysy
Freshspectrum.com
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https://bit.ly/2IGHszo
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https://bit.ly/2v4QapA
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Focus on the concept.
The technology may
take a while….
What if We Flip the Logic Model on its Side?
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Program 1
Two Flipped Logic Models
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Program 1 Program 2
Logic Models as Building Blocks
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Stacks of Logic Models
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Logic Model Example – Olden Times
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3DLM in Today’s World – During COVID
Connections in 3DLM
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Multiple LMs Leading to Larger Change
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Weight Loss
Lower Blood Pressure
Lower Cholesterol
Stacks of LMs Can Be ‘Steps’
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Program 1
Program 2
Program 3
A Real Example: High School!
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9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Depicting Complex Initiatives – The Difficulty
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Most logic model depictions only focus on the primary intervention and
overlook important historical or contextual factors.
We have tried to oversimplify the complex, and it has resulted in simplistic
interventions that don’t solve for complex problems.
Depicting Complex Initiatives – The Solution
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Incorporating Contextual Factors – Example 1
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Incorporating Contextual Factors – Example 2
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Addressing Childhood Poverty
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Addressing Childhood Poverty
Time to Build Your Own!
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The Future of Logic Models: Logic Models in 3D

Editor's Notes

  • #4 A logic model is a visual depiction of how a program or initiative works. Often compared to a roadmap, a logic model visualizes the links between the activities that are being conducted and the outcomes that the program is seeking to achieve.
  • #5 In one of the seminal texts on logic models, The Kellogg Foundation defined a logic model “as a picture of how your organization does its work – the theory and assumptions underlying the program. A program logic model links outcomes (both short- and long-term) with program activities/processes and the theoretical assumptions/principles of the program.” 
  • #6 As a visual representation, a logic model is intended to help stakeholders develop a common understanding of the inner workings of the program, including how, why, and what a program is intended to do and to achieve
  • #7 As Tom Archibald mentioned in a recent webinar about evaluative thinking, this traditional model locks us into false and simplified assumptions like teach – learn – do. I have a Masters in Public Health so I know from my training that eating healthy foods is essential for having a healthy mind and body. I know that I feel better when I eat healthy foods and that my bank account looks a lot nicer when I cook my own food. I also know that when my car drives past my favorite takeout place when I’m hungry on my way home, that I am probably throwing all my knowledge out the window. We are humans. Humans make up programs and systems. We have to stop pretending that we operate in a randomized control trial bubble. We don’t.
  • #8 Challenges: Logic models aren’t built for 2020. They aren’t built for Covid. They aren’t built for complexity. They are built for simple Western programs which hide the working assumptions and relationships behind the programs and models. Logic models, as status quo, are not in service of communities or equity. They force round complex programs into a square box to meet the needs of funders. This results in them often being made to appease requirements rather than being used as a tool for change. Appears linear when few programs are Suggests causality Disregards culture and context Does not incorporate methodology May not represent feasibility Often lacks input of key stakeholders Break down for more complex programs such as when a program operates at the systems level or has multiple sites Not published so difficult to align with similar programs Competing metrics from funders
  • #9 Share 4 brief examples of alternatives to traditional logic models
  • #10 Chris Lysy interactive logic model
  • #11 Atlantic Council for International Cooperation: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58eb972e414fb5fae517f552/t/59cd121af9a61e43a95191c6/1506611739652/Medicine_Wheel_Evaluation_Framework.pdf Medicine wheel logic model Medi cine wheel evaluation framework Jenkins, S., Robinson, K., & Davis, R. Adapting the medicine wheel model to extend the applicability of the traditional logic model in evaluation research. Retrieved from https://s3.amazonaws.com/sitesusa/wp-content/uploads/sites/242/2016/03/F2_Jenkins_2015FCSM.pdf 
  • #12 Centre for Community Based Research eco-logic model
  • #13 We know you can use all different types of technology to create a LM. We also know it isn’t just about the tool, it’s about the process and the thinking. It’s about connecting the pieces and being able to articulate and understand these connections.