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STEP 2
Describe the Program
CDC framework for evaluation steps cycle graphic represents the steps and standards. The standards are utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy. The steps are "Engage Stakeholders", "Describe the Program", "Focus Evaluation Design", "Gather Credible Evidence", "Justify conclusions", and "Use and Share Lessons Learned". "Use and Share Lessons Learned" is highligted in the graphic.
To evaluate your program, you first must have a clear understanding of the program and its underlying logic.
This step is critical to the evaluation as it provides clarity on what you are evaluating as well as consensus among stakeholders around the definition of “success” for the program.
Develop a Logic Model
A logic model is a visual communication tool that explains your internal program logic—underlying theory or set of assumptions about why the program will work or why it is a good solution to address the need or identified problem. It provides an easy way for someone who does not know your program to get a sense of what the program will do, what it is going to accomplish, and how the activities will bring about the changes and expected results. Understanding essential elements helps you define how an approach is intended to influence risk and protective factors and violence outcomes.
For more information about defining the essential elements (what, how, who) of your program, see Select, Adapt, Evaluate.
Logic Model
Logic models typically have the following components:
Hover over the boxes below to reveal descriptions of the logic model components.
Problem or Need
PROCESS
What the program does
EFFECTS
What will change for whom because of the program?
IF
Inputs or Resources
THEN
Activites
THEN
Outputs
THEN
Outcomes
Share, immediate, and Long term effects
Assumptions or Context
Problem or Need
IF
THEN
THEN
THEN
PROCESS
What the program does
EFFECTS
What will change for whom because of the program?
Assumptions or Context
IF
THEN
PROCESS
What the program does
THEN
THEN
EFFECTS
What will change for whom because of the program?
There is no one way to develop a logic model. Many processes (e.g., outcomes mapping, if-then chains) exist to help you work with your team and stakeholders. For multi-component programs or initiatives, you may decide to develop multiple logic models with varying levels of detail. Keep in mind that as the program evolves, you may want to revisit your logic model and/or description of your program to ensure they are still accurate.
For more information about how to develop a logic model and a fillable logic model template, download the Developing a Logic Model worksheet.
Clearly Define Outcomes
Clear and specific outcomes define what the program hopes to accomplish. Well-defined outcomes help you identify and select indicators to measure and track the outcomes.
Outcomes usually fall into these common categories.
Changes in learning (e.g., knowledge, attitudes, awareness, opinions, motivations, aspirations, skills)
Changes in conditions or status as a result of actions (e.g., social, economic, civic, health, environmental)
Changes in actions (e.g., behavior, procedures, practice, policy, decisions, social actions)
The sequence and timeframe in which you can observe changes in these outcomes depend on the types of prevention approaches.
For more information about defining your outcomes, download the Identifying Outcomes tip sheet.
Considerations when Describing Your Program
In relation to the Evaluation Framework Standards, ask yourself the following questions:
Utility
Is level of detail of the program description appropriate? Is it clear to someone unfamiliar with the program?
Feasibility
Does the program description and logic model include activities and outcomes that are realistic and within the sphere of influence of the program?
Propriety
Is the program description complete enough to examine all aspects of the program, including strengths, weaknesses, unintended consequences, and intended outcomes?
Accuracy
Is the program description relevant to the context and appropriate for its current stage of development or implementation?
Engaging Stakeholders at Step 2
Gather stakeholders’ input to help draw the boundaries of your program – especially factors related to systems (e.g., what else may be going on or being implemented in the community).
Obtain feedback on the logic model from a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure you have a full picture of the activities as well as the expected outcomes.
For more information about describing the program, see CDC PPEO’s information about Step 2.
CDC Framework for Evaluation Steps
Click on a step below to discover more.
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