Practice: Evaluate implementation to document what

you are doing

Key Action: Document implementation based on your logic model

TOOL: Differentiating Outputs From Outcomes

Purpose: The definitions and examples in this table describe the differences between
“outputs” and “outcomes” in a logic model. When you clearly understand
these differences—and the important connections between outputs and
outcomes—you can develop a better plan for evaluation.

Instructions: 1. Review the table’s definitions and examples for “outputs” versus
“outcomes.”

2. Generate a list of possible outputs and outcomes for your own magnet
program.

Note: You may also use this tool to check an existing draft of a logic model to
make sure outputs and outcomes are correctly identified.

1
 Practice: Evaluate implementation to document what
you are doing
Key Action: Document implementation based on your logic model

Differentiating Outputs From Outcomes

“Not how many worms the bird feeds its young, but how well the fledgling flies.” – United Way of America, 1999
This quote from United Way illustrates not only the difference between outputs and outcomes, but the critical importance of connecting the
two. What matters most is the outcome (how well the young bird learns to fly), even though it might be easier to focus attention on an output
(how many worms it feeds on) because that’s easier to measure.

Examples from highway Examples from Montessori Possible examples for

construction project magnet school your magnet program
OUTPUTS are the direct and measurable • number of hours of
products of a program’s activities or professional development
• project design and number of teachers
services, often expressed in terms of units
participating
(hours, number of people or completed • number of highway
actions). In your logic model, outputs miles constructed • number of funding
refer to the activities you will conduct proposals submitted
• number of highway
and the people you hope to reach.
miles repaired • number of pamphlets and
Note: More than one OUTPUT is promotional materials sent
necessary to produce a final OUTCOME. to target families

OUTCOMES are the results or impact of • increased use of

these activities or services, often differentiated learning
expressed in terms of an increase in • increased capacity techniques
understanding, and improvements in • diversification of
• improved traffic flow
desired behaviors or attitudes of resources for classroom
participants. In your logic model, • reduction in travel materials and teacher
outcomes refer to the short-term, mid- time training
term, and long-term goals of your
• reduction in • increased knowledge
program.
accidents about and interest in
Note: A single OUTCOME is often the magnet schools among
result of multiple OUTPUTS. target families
Adapted from the “Outcomes vs. Outputs” section of Innovation Network’s Logic Model Workbook (p. 17). The entire workbook is available after free registration on www.innonet.org (last
accessed December 10, 2008), and from PowerPoint presentation slides created by Taylor-Powell, E., & Henert, E. (2008). Developing a logic model. Retrieved January 2009, from University of
Wisconsin-Extension-Cooperative Extension, Program Development and Evaluation Unit website at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html#more