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Indicators: Definitions and Distinctions
Indicators: Definitions and Distinctions
An indicator is a measure that is used to demonstrate change in a situation, or the progress in, or results of,
an activity, project, or programme.
TYPES OF INDICATORS
Indicators are essential instruments for monitoring and evaluation, and exist in many different forms.
*In the absence of more definite impact indicators, early pointers of impact
may be used during project implementation to indicate progress toward
achieving project objectives. For example, in many cases, output indicators
and indicators of risk factors can serve as suitable intermediate or leading
indicators of impact.
The "results chain" is the expected sequence of results to achieve the desired programme objectives,
beginning with inputs, moving through activities and outputs, and culminating in outcomes, impacts and
follow-up (OECD-DAC, 2001). It is generally just a reference for developing performance indicators, as it
obviously a simplification of reality. In practice, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a programme’s
outputs and outcomes or between outcomes and impacts. An outcome indicator for a small project may
represent an output for a larger programme. In addition, there are often multiple intermediate results, both for
outputs and outcomes.
When defining indicators, it is important to think of the types of indicators on a continuum in logical relation to
the project's/programme’s strategic objective. Where there are multiple intermediate results, you may end up
with two sequential so-called "output indicators" or "outcome indicators". In other words, it doesn't matter so
much whether you label something an output or an outcome indicator as long as it fits with the logical
sequence of results of the programme in question and fits the characteristics of a good indicator. (See
content sheet "Selecting indicators — Criteria".)
Usually it is easier to define and measure simple output indicators, as impact indicators can be complex,
costly, and difficult to measure. The time lag between programme implementation and impact is significant.
As we move toward impact, we see that numerous contextual factors can influence results. Before-and-after
household and community surveys are excellent tools for collecting comprehensive impact data for ex-post
evaluation, but the time and cost they require make them impractical for regular programme monitoring or
evaluation during programme implementation.
We, therefore, often seek proxy measures that can inform us early on about a programme’s likely impact.
Monitoring performance indicators during implementation can provide this information. Leading process and
intermediate indicators can serve as proxies for impact indicators. Beneficiary assessments, rapid rural
appraisals, and focus group interviews are useful ways of collecting qualitative impact data.
Impact and outcome indicators must be defined and interpreted with care. Demonstrating that a project
caused a particular impact is usually difficult since many factors outside the project influence the results
(DAC). See Core Content Sheet "Evaluating impact" (Module 4).
Note that some organisations or sources use these terms interchangeably, which can cause confusion.