Evaluation Briefs
No. 2, December 2005

Logic Models

Diagram illustrating how activities lead to outcomes, as described below.

ACTIVITIES: Refers to available inputs, activities, and intended outputs of a program.

Inputs: Resources available to operate a program including staff, organizations, communities, and finances.

Activities: Things that the program is doing. These could be processes, tools, events, and actions intended to be a part of program implementation.

Outputs: The amount of product or service that the program intends to provide. These include specific types, levels, and targets of services to be delivered by the program.

OUTCOMES: Intended outcomes or specific changes that are direct results of program activities. These include changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. These can be considered in three time blocks as short-, intermediate-, and long-term effects.

Short-term outcomes are the immediate effects (1-3 years) of a program and often focus on change in knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

Intermediate outcomes are achieved within 3-5 years of program initiation, and often include change in behavior, norms, or policies.

Long-term outcomes are achieved within 4-6 years of program initiation and include changes in organizations and systems.

GOALS: Overall mission or purpose of the program often expressed in terms of changes in morbidity and mortality.

Page 2 shows a template diagram that includes inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and goals. 

For further information or assistance, contact the Evaluation Research Team at ert@cdc.gov. You can also contact us via our website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/evaluation/index.htm.