Download Logic Model - Oregon State University

HDFS 461
Logic Model Instructions
Two steps are required to create a logic model.
Step One
(a) Take out a piece of paper and spend a few minutes writing down every “cause” of the problem you are
focusing on that you can think of. These causes can be at any level, from individual to societal. For example,
here is a list of some of the causes of child abuse that I can think of:
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Parental drug/alcohol use
Intergenerational transmission of violence
Violence portrayed in media
Premature births
Teen parenting
Sexualization of youth in media
Child characteristics such as ADHD
High parental stress: poverty, loss of employment
Parent anger management issues
Parent lack of understanding of child development
Poor parenting skills
This is certainly not a complete list, but it is good enough for our purposes.
Note that there are many interrelated causes of the social issue that you are addressing. Obviously, no single
program can address all of the causes at once. For example, it would probably not be reasonable for a single
program to address the issue of violence in the media and premature births because these issues are too
unrelated. However, it would be reasonable for a single program to address parenting skills, lack of
understanding child development, and parent drug and alcohol use. Further, you could target a particular
group like teen parents or any parent with certain risk factors.
(b) Now, look at your list and think about how the different parts might fit together. I only want you to think
about this in broad terms, not in details. When you have done this, express it like I have done below:
Teen Parenting Program
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Child development classes
Parenting classes
How drugs and alcohol affect parenting
Support group
Step Two
The purpose of a Logic Model is to show the connections between (a) the main activities or components of
your program (what you came up with in Step One) and (b) the main goal of your program (i.e., reduce child
abuse, reduce high school drop out, increasing availability of quality child care, etc.) In other words, the Logic
Model answers the question: What is the connection between what you plan to do in your program and
what you hope will be the end result of the activities?
Take out another piece of paper. Most students find it easier to do this part on paper rather than on the
computer because it is a fluid process that requires a lot of changes.
To begin, write your main goal at the top of the page. State this in terms of the problem you are addressing.
Examples: Reduce Juvenile Delinquency, Increase Quality Affordable Childcare, Reduce Domestic Violence, etc.
At the bottom of the page Write “Program Activities” and then below this list the main components of your
program (i.e., what you came up with in Step One).
Now it is time to take a look at the example Logic Model. The tricky part of creating a logic model is linking the
activities at the bottom of the page with the main goal(s) at the top of the page via the series of boxes
between the two.
Look at the example.
The first bullet in the bottom box of the example is “Required monthly lecture to discuss job skills and role of
education in workforce.” The far left two boxes in the logic model address how this “activity” in the program
with lead to reduced high school dropout rates.
The way to read the logic model is as follows:
Students in the program will attend a
Required monthly lecture to discuss job skills and role of education in workforce
SO THAT
Students understand the value of education to their future employment
SO THAT
Students are motivated to stay in school
SO THAT
The rate of high school dropouts is reduced.
Do you see how the middle two boxes link the bottom and the top in a logical way? Also note that the first
middle box (Students understand value of education to their future employment) is linked logically to the next
middle box (Students are motivated to stay in school.)
Each of the program activities in the bottom box must be addressed in the middle boxes. Usually there is one
line of linked boxes going up the page for each of the program activities.
Here are some guidelines for creating the middle boxes:
 The first box should express the most basic thing you want your program participants to get from the
activity.
 Every box should begin with the program participant. (Teens, Parents, etc)
 The connections between the boxes must be logical!
 There can be more than one line coming from a box
 Language in boxes should be active and strong:
Examples
Incorrect: Parents are less likely to use inappropriate discipline
Correct: Parents use appropriate discipline.
Incorrect: Teens can receive support from a caring adult.
Correct: Teens receive support from a caring adult.
Incorrect: Parents will understand child development.
Correct: Parents understand child development.
Additional Guidelines
Your Logic Model must be typed and presented like the example. You can use any program you are familiar
with to do this. Most students use Power Point or Word. If you use Power Point, make sure you start with a
completely blank slide. Do not use a slide that already has a diagram!
Your Logic Model does not in any way need to look like the example. You can include as many boxes as you
want, and the arrows can go in any direction that is logical.
To make sure you are on track with the logic, use the SO THAT test above. Read from the bottom to the top
Warning: This usually looks easier than it really is. If you get frustrated along the way or just want to see if you
are on track, send me what you have and I will lend a hand.