The connection between logic models and systems thinking concepts

This article examines the relationship between systems thinking concepts and the logic model. Two notable shortcomings of the logic model are illustrated: depicting the program theory linearly and failing to place the program in context. Both issues lead to an artificial depiction of reality making...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evaluation journal of Australasia 2019-06, Vol.19 (2), p.79-87
Main Authors: Renger, Ralph, Atkinson, Lewe, Renger, Jessica, Renger, Jirina, Hart, Gary
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Conceptual structures (Information theory)
Evaluation
Evaluation research (Social action programs)
Mathematical models
Methodology
System analysis
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Summary:This article examines the relationship between systems thinking concepts and the logic model. Two notable shortcomings of the logic model are illustrated: depicting the program theory linearly and failing to place the program in context. Both issues lead to an artificial depiction of reality making evaluation findings difficult to interpret. Systems thinking concepts are defined and how they address these shortcomings is discussed. This article then demonstrates how many systems thinking concepts are evident in the logic model; although in a limited way. This article concludes by noting the importance of using system concepts when answering evaluation questions related to system dynamics and interrelationships.
ISSN:1035-719X
2515-9372
DOI:10.1177/1035719X19853660