The 5-Step approach (2024)

Publication - Advice and guidance

Published
31 May 2016

ISBN
9781786522429

Updated, easy-to-use guidance describing how to use the 5 Step approach to design and evaluate behaviour change interventions.

The 5-Step approach

The 5-step approach to evaluation

The 5-Step approach (2)

Identify the problem

The 5-Step approach (3)

If your ultimate aim is to change people's behaviour, you need to be clear what it is you are trying to change and why there is currently a need for this to happen

The 5-Step approach (4)

Review the evidence

The 5-Step approach (5)

What you intend to do should be grounded in the evidence of 'what works' and why. Service providers should review the available evidence in order to plan activities which can be expected to achieve the intended behaviour change. The evidence should guide what you do and help you to understand the process through which it should work.

The 5-Step approach (6)

Draw a logic model

The 5-Step approach (7)

A logic model is a diagram which shows, step-by-step, why the activities you plan should achieve your aims. The logic model forms the basis for evaluating the whole project - you are going to test whether these steps happened as you predicted.

The 5-Step approach (8)

Identify Indicators and monitor your model

The 5-Step approach (9)

Use the logic model to identify indicators (i.e. measurements or observations) that things actually happen as you predicted. You will need to collect data about your project FROM THE START on inputs, activities, users, short, medium and long-term outcomes.

The 5-Step approach (10)

Evaluate logic model

The 5-Step approach (11)

Analyse the data you've collected on your various indictors to evaluate how well your project worked for your various users. Report on whether your data suggests the logic model worked as planned. Be honest about any areas which were less effective. Use this to improve your service.

The 5-step approach: A summary

1. Identify the problem
It is essential that you are clear from the start about the problem you are aiming to address. What kind of behaviours are you aiming to change and why is this is needed at this particular time and place? Perhaps there are local gaps in service provision or recent events which suggest intervention would be timely.

2. Review the evidence
The most effective projects and services build from existing evidence about what works - they learn from previous experiences. Therefore, the 5-step approach puts a deliberate emphasis on using existing evidence and the evaluation should measure the extent to which your service is based on evidence. The first step is therefore to gain an understanding of the existing evidence base in order to plan your service.

3. Draw a logic model of how your service should work
The logic model is a step-by-step diagram which shows the ultimate outcomes you are aiming for and step-by-step how you intend to achieve them. It details inputs (e.g. money, staff, resources) needed to deliver your activities and how they should lead to short, medium and long-term outcomes and ultimately meet your aims.

It should describe how evidence, funds and staff will be used to design and deliver activities and how exactly, based on your review of the existing evidence, these activities are expected to lead to short, medium and long term outcomes.

A template and excellent guidance can be found here: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html

4. Identify indictors and collect monitoring data
Using your logic model as a guide, identify indicators that will test whether the project actually worked as the logic model predicted. You should collect data on what activities were delivered to whom, as well as evidence that they led (or didn't lead) to the short-term and longer-term changes you anticipated.

Nb. It is important that you collect 'base-line' (pre-project) information about your users to compare with information you later collect during and after the intervention.

5. Evaluate logic model​
You now need to analyse the data you've collected in order to test whether the project worked in accordance with your logic model. You should assess how well activities were delivered, levels of user engagement and whether users' needs were met or their attitudes changed. Case studies can be used to illustrate examples of who the service worked for and did not work for and why that might be.

WARNING!

Do not leave planning your evaluation until the end of your project

  • Steps 1-3 should be carried out before the project begins
  • Step 4 (monitoring) should continue from the very start to the end of your project (and, ideally, beyond).
  • Step 5 (analysis) should not be left to the end either. Interim and on-going evaluations will enable you to make improvements to your project or service.

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The 5-Step approach (2024)

FAQs

What is the 5-step problem-solving process? ›

The problem solving process typically includes: Pinpointing what's broken by gathering data and consulting with team members. Figuring out why it's not working by mapping out and troubleshooting the problem. Deciding on the most effective way to fix it by brainstorming and then implementing a solution.

What is the 5-step process? ›

The 5-Step Process consists of 5 basic steps: identify desired goals; determine current PRRS status; understand current constraints; develop solutions options; implement and monitor the preferred solution.

What step in the 5-step model for solving problems do you think is the easiest and which step is the most challenging to accomplish? ›

Final answer:

The easiest step in the 5-Step Model for Solving Problems is Step 1: Identify and Define the Problem, while the most challenging step is Step 4: Find an equation or set of equations. The 5-Step Model can be applied to both personal and professional problem-solving.

What is the first step in the 5 step problem-solving model? ›

Step 1: Identify the Problem

As obvious as it may sound, the first step in the problem-solving process is to identify the root of the issue.

What is the 5 Whys technique? ›

The 5 Whys technique is true to this tradition, and it is most effective when the answers come from people who have hands-on experience of the process or problem in question. The method is remarkably simple: when a problem occurs, you drill down to its root cause by asking "Why?" five times.

What is step 5 of decision making? ›

Step 5: Evaluate Your Decision. Once you have made your final decision and put it into action, it is necessary to evaluate the decision and the steps you have taken to ensure that it works.

What are the steps in problem-solving? ›

8-Step Problem Solving Process
  • Step 1: Define the Problem. What is the problem? ...
  • Step 2: Clarify the Problem. ...
  • Step 3: Define the Goals. ...
  • Step 4: Identify Root Cause of the Problem. ...
  • Step 5: Develop Action Plan. ...
  • Step 6: Execute Action Plan. ...
  • Step 7: Evaluate the Results. ...
  • Step 8: Continuously Improve.

What is problem-solving approach? ›

A problem-solving approach is a technique people use to better understand the problems they face and to develop optimal solutions. They empower people to devise more innovative solutions by helping them overcome old or binary ways of thinking. Related: How To Create Your Own Problem-Solving Process.

What is a good problem-solving strategy? ›

Define the problem: Clearly state the problem and understand what is causing it. Gather information: Collect relevant data and facts about the problem. Identify possible causes: Analyze the information and generate a list of potential causes. Evaluate possible solutions: Consider different approaches to resolving t.

What is the step 5 in the seven step decision making model? ›

Step 5: Choose among alternatives

Once you have weighed all the evidence, you are ready to select the alternative that seems to be the best one for you. You may even choose a combination of alternatives.

What is the most important step in problem-solving? ›

The most critical stage is selecting a solution. Easier said than done. Consider the criteria that has arisen in previous steps as you decide on a solution that meets your needs. Once you select a course of action, implement it.

What are the 6 problem-solving strategies? ›

Six step guide to help you solve problems
  • Step 1: Identify and define the problem. State the problem as clearly as possible. ...
  • Step 2: Generate possible solutions. ...
  • Step 3: Evaluate alternatives. ...
  • Step 4: Decide on a solution. ...
  • Step 5: Implement the solution. ...
  • Step 6: Evaluate the outcome.

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