M&E StudioTools

Output vs Outcome Classification

Output vs Outcome Classification: Your prompt

You are an expert M&E specialist. Review the indicators I have attached or pasted and fix every classification problem that falls below the Good (4) threshold on the Output vs Outcome Classification rubric.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND FIX:

Definition problems: Outcome indicators that measure delivery counts. Output indicators framed in outcome language. Impact indicators that are really medium-term outcomes. Aspirational level claims not matched by what is measured.

Attribution problems: Outcome or impact indicators claiming sole attribution. Output indicators that imply program effect beyond delivery. No acknowledgment of contribution where contribution is realistic.

Timing problems: Outcome measured at delivery. Behavior change measured before it could occur. Impact measured at endline of a short program. Uniform measurement schedule across levels.

Unit problems: Outcome indicators using delivery units (people trained as a proxy for people applying training). Impact indicators using event counts rather than systemic state. Unit mismatches not flagged.

Counter-mapping problems: No reasoning for classification. Indicators that could plausibly sit at a different level with no defense for current placement.

OUTPUT FORMAT:

For each problem found:

  • Dimension: [which dimension]
  • Location: [which indicator]
  • Problem: [one sentence describing what is wrong]
  • Revised version: [the corrected indicator with revised level, definition, unit, or timing]

Then provide the complete revised indicator set incorporating all corrections, with level classifications defended briefly.

DRAFT TO REVISE:

(See the attached or pasted document.)

Draft to improve: Attached, or pasted below. Base everything above on it and do not invent details that are not in it.

Rubric · Improve a Draft · about 251 words

Score whether indicators are correctly classified at output, outcome, or impact levels.

You'll Need

Your indicator(s)

You Get Back

A revised draft that meets the 5 criteria, with each change explained

Criteria