Logic models: a useful way to study theories of evaluation practice?

This paper comments on the papers in the special volume on logic modeling and evaluation theory. Logic modeling offers a potentially useful approach to learning about the assumptions, activities, and consequences described in an evaluation theory and may facilitate comparative analysis of evaluation theories. However, logic models are imperfect vehicles for depicting the contingent and dynamic nature of evaluation theories. Alternative approaches to studying theories are necessary to capture the essence of theories as they may work in actual practice.