The connection between logic models and systems thinking concepts
| Author | Jessica Renger,Gary Hart,Jirina Renger,Ralph Renger,Lewe Atkinson |
| DOI | 10.1177/1035719X19853660 |
| Published date | 01 June 2019 |
| Date | 01 June 2019 |
| Subject Matter | Practice Article |
https://doi.org/10.1177/1035719X19853660
Evaluation Journal of Australasia
2019, Vol. 19(2) 79 –87
© The Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/1035719X19853660
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The connection between
logic models and systems
thinking concepts
Ralph Renger
Just Evaluation Services, USA
Lewe Atkinson
Haines Centre, Australia
Jessica Renger
Claremont Graduate University, USA
Jirina Renger
Walden University, USA
Gary Hart
University of North Dakota, USA
Abstract
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.
Corresponding author:
Ralph Renger, Just Evaluation Services, LLC, 14777 E. Circle M Ranch Street, Vail, AZ 85641, USA.
Email: ralph@justevaluation.com
853660EVJ0010.1177/1035719X19853660Evaluation Journal of AustralasiaRenger et al.
research-article2019
Practice Article
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