Core Components

Core components include the functions, principles, and related activities necessary to achieve desired outcomes. They are the parts, features, attributes, or characteristics of a program that influence its success when implemented effectively. They are also referred to as the building blocks of a program’s innovation. In summary, core components are multifaceted and are its constitutive elements, which enable and define its success and effectiveness. Understanding and articulating these components is key to advancing the field of social impact.

This concept is at the heart of ‘Impact Science’ at the University of Chicago, a field that focuses on understanding and optimizing the effectiveness of social programs. A crucial dimension of Impact Science is the study of ‘core components’. This approach involves breaking down a program into its fundamental elements on a taxonomical database and examining how each of these contributes to a positive outcome.

We have research and individual RCTs, but we don’t possess a universal language for social science.  With a taxonomy, we could cross the lack of standardization. This suddenly provides us with the ability to aggregate knowledge across thousands of studies and research articles, benchmark, compare, and assess the quality of social programs.

This enables a range of next generation capabilities for evidence-based policymaking, social impact research, program design and implementation.

The Center advances the emerging field of core components research in three ways:

Inter-agency working group

In 2021, the Center for Impact Sciences launched a ground-breaking cross-agency initiative with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to investigate the potential for using standardized impact taxonomies in federal policymaking. The aim of this initiative is to explore new tools for policymakers that enable them to use evidence to “predict” the outcomes for social programs. Read More.

Outcome Areas and Core Components library

Core components include the functions, principles, and related activities necessary to achieve desired outcomes. They are the parts, features, attributes, or characteristics of a program that influence its success when implemented effectively. They are also referred to as the building blocks of a program’s innovation. The below outcome areas are mapped by their Core Components.

You can click here to find a list of core components under the below outcome areas.