What is the difference between process indicators and outcome indicators? Provide an example for each.

• A. Process indicators monitor implementation (e.g., sessions delivered); outcome indicators measure health/behavior change (e.g., increase in minutes of physical activity).
• B. Process indicators measure long-term outcomes; outcome indicators track budgeting.
• C. Process indicators are irrelevant; outcome indicators are only financial.
• D. Process indicators measure soil quality; outcome indicators measure exam scores.

Answer: (A)

Process indicators measure how a program is delivered—the implementation side. They tell you if the activities are happening as planned, with what reach, and with what quality. For example, counting the number of sessions delivered, tracking attendance, or checking fidelity to the intervention protocol. These tell you about the execution of the program.

Outcome indicators, on the other hand, assess the effects of the program on participants—the actual health or behavior changes that result. An appropriate example is an increase in minutes of physical activity per week, or improvements in a health measure like blood pressure or aerobic fitness.

So the best choice pairs the implementation focus (sessions delivered) with a health/behavior change outcome (increase in minutes of physical activity). The other options mix up what’s being measured or use irrelevant examples, like budgeting, soil quality, or exam scores, which don’t reflect the intended distinction between process and outcome indicators.