Psychology WEEK ONE ASSIGNMENT

WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT GUIDE: DEVELOPING A LOGIC MODEL This assignment helps you build a clear logic model connecting what a program uses, does, and achieves. You will apply the model to an agency of your choice and align it with a relevant evaluation measure (PHQ-9, SDQ, or GAD-7).

Logic Model Components See Fink, Figure 1.3, p. 28 for reference.

INPUTS: Resources the program uses • Funding sources • Staff (types, qualifications, numbers if available) • Facilities or space • Materials/curriculum/evidence-based practices • Community partnerships • Theoretical frameworks (e.g., CBT, trauma-informed care, family systems, etc.)

ACTIVITIES: What the program does • Services (individual, group, or family therapy; case management, etc.) • Frequency and duration of services (e.g., weekly sessions) • Service delivery methods (in-person, telehealth, home-based) • Assessment/intake procedures • Crisis or wraparound services

OUTPUTS: Measurable products of activities • Number of clients served annually • Number of sessions/service hours provided • Completion rates • Materials/resources distributed • Referrals made or received

OUTCOMES Short-Term (0–6 months): • Reduced symptoms (e.g., PHQ-9 scores drop from 15+ → 5–9) • Improved coping skills and emotional regulation • Increased treatment engagement • Knowledge gains (understanding symptoms, identifying triggers) • Enhanced family functioning (if applicable) Intermediate (6–12 months): • Sustained symptom improvement • Improved daily functioning (school, work, social) • Fewer crises or hospitalizations • Decreased need for intensive services

Long-Term (1+ years): • Sustained mental health stability • Educational/vocational success • Healthy relationships • Independent living skills • Improved quality of life • Reduced recidivism or re-hospitalization

Critical Requirements 1. Be Specific. Define measurable targets (e.g., 30% decrease in PHQ-9 scores) 2. Be Realistic. Focus on outcomes achievable within the program’s scope 3. Show Logical Connections: – Inputs → Activities → Outputs → Outcomes 4. Acknowledge Assumptions. If you infer data, mark it and explain why 5. Align Outcomes with Your Measures (if info available). For example: - PHQ-9: Depression-focused outcomes - SDQ: Behavioral and emotional outcomes - GAD-7: Anxiety-focused outcomes

Where Information Is Limited • Research evidence-based practices typical for your population • Review published descriptions of similar agencies • Mark inferred content clearly with an asterisk or note

Submission Requirements • Logic Model (1 page, landscape) • Narrative (1 page) explaining your assumptions, measure alignment, and missing data

Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Confusing outputs (what you do) with outcomes (what changes) • Using vague outcomes ('better mental health') • Breaking logical flow between activities and outcomes • Using your own template instead of a provided one