What is the function of a logic model in program evaluation?

A logic model plays a crucial role in program evaluation by systematically organizing and clarifying the essential components of a program alongside its expected outcomes. This visual representation helps stakeholders understand the relationship between resources, activities, and the intended impacts of a program. By mapping out inputs, outputs, and outcomes, a logic model provides a framework that facilitates both planning and evaluation. It allows evaluators to clearly articulate how specific activities lead to desired changes and serves as a guide for assessing program effectiveness and making data-driven decisions.

In contrast, summarizing financial expenditures primarily focuses on budget-related information, while setting timelines is more about scheduling rather than evaluating program performance. Evaluating the effectiveness of individual staff members does not directly pertain to the overall program evaluation framework that a logic model provides; instead, it focuses on individual performance rather than the broader objectives and outcomes of the program itself.