Logic Models vs Logical Frameworks - What's the Difference?
Ann-Murray Brown ????????
Facilitator | Founder, Monitoring & Evaluation Academy | Champion for Gender & Inclusion | Follow me for quality content
A common question I hear during my workshops is "Ann, what's the difference between a "logic model" and "logical framework" (often called a "logframe")?
My short answer is "there is hardly any difference and it comes down to just how the information is visually presented".
You will understand what I mean after you read my long answer below.
First, let's define what each of these terms mean.
What is a logic model?
A logic model is essentially a flowchart or visual representation that shows the logical relationships between the different components of a project or program. It maps out the project's inputs (resources), activities, outputs (products or services), outcomes (short and medium-term results), and the intended long-term impact. Think of it as a graphical way to depict how the various elements are expected to lead to the desired change.
For example, a logic model for a vocational training program might look something like this:
Inputs: Funding, trainers, curriculum materials
Activities: Conducting skills training workshops, providing career counseling
Outputs: Trainees acquire new skills, receive job placement assistance
Outcomes: Increased employment rates, higher incomes for trainees
Impact: Reduced poverty and improved livelihoods in the community
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What is a logical framework?
On the other hand, a logical framework (logframe) is a table or matrix that summarises the key components of a project in a more structured, tabular format.
It typically includes the project's goal, purpose (or objective), outputs, activities, indicators (to measure progress), means of verification (data sources), and assumptions or risks.
So what's the difference between a logic model and a logframe?
Not much.
When the information or 'results chain' (inputs-activities-outputs-outcomes-impact) is presented in a tabular or matrix form we call it a 'logical framework' (or 'logframe').
The same 'results chain' when presented in a non-tabular and visual manner is called a 'logic model'.
With this said though, another subtle difference is that the logical framework is more detailed (with indicators, data sources and assumptions and risks).
Curious to learn more? Join the webinar on logic models with Beverly Peters, Ph.D. and I for an interactive and 'hands on' session on logic models.
The last webinar on Theories of Change filled up rather quickly. Don't wait. Reserve your spot for this event NOW.
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Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
5 个月I used to get this in training and said the opposite. I think that while there is overlap, they are quite different. 1) Logic models show cause and effect and a representation of your theory of action and theory of change - log frames do not show this. 2) Logframes show indicators abs measures, whereas Logic models do not have indicators and measures.
Director, Gender Initiatives at Episcopal Relief and Development | Program Specialist with expertise in strategic planning, gender analysis and peacebuilding
6 个月Thanks for sharing this Ann-Murray Brown ???????? I’m in the middle of drafting a logical framework now and this is so helpful. I always get confused with outputs and outcomes. Your examples helped to understand the difference. So you have anything on distinguishing between the two or all the levels of the framework?
Measurement and Evaluation Faculty, American University
6 个月Looking forward to the session! Thank you for hosting!
MA Monitoring and Evaluation, MEAL Specialist, Disability Advocate.
6 个月So proud of your content. Thanks alot
Independent Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant
6 个月Hi Ann. I have long shared the same opinion, there is not much difference. But I have come around to emphasising a point captured in your latter comment "With this said though, another subtle difference is that the logical framework is more detailed (with indicators, data sources and assumptions and risks)." This is quite important. Logic models/aka diagramatic ToC emphasse the causal linkages, but give much less attention to verficable indicators of when the causing/caused events happen. On the other hand, Logic Models emphasise how to observe and measure the expected changes, but give minimal information on how the causal linkages betwen one level of the LogFrame and the next actually work. We need both, but it is hard to squeeze both into one diagram. Which is one reason why I often advertise the DCED webs site as an example of how we could manage to do both by using linked web pages https://www.enterprise-development.org/what-works-and-why/evidence-framework/ Click on the links.