CSREES defines outcomes/impacts as a change in knowledge, actions, or conditions.

A change in knowledge occurs when the participant (scientist, trainee, or citizen) learns or becomes aware. Examples of a change in knowledge include: new fundamental or applied knowledge (such as results of sampling, surveying, laboratory, or data analysis); methods and techniques; policy knowledge; improved skills; or increased knowledge of decision-making, life skills, and positive life choices among youth and adults.

A change in actions occurs when there is a change in behavior or the participants act upon what they have learned (adoption of techniques and methods or a change in practice). Examples of a change in actions include: application and actual use of fundamental or applied knowledge; adoption of new or improved skills; direct application of information from publications; adoption and use of new methods or improved technologies; use of skills by youth and adults in making informed choices; or adoption of practical policy and use of decision-making knowledge.

A change in conditions occurs when a societal condition is changed due to a participant's action. Examples of a change in conditions include: development of the principal discipline(s) of the project or other disciplines; development of human resources; physical, institutional, and information resources that improve infrastructure; technology transfer; management and behavioral changes and adjustments; quantified changes in descriptive statistics (trade balance, export sales, etc.); better and less expensive animal health; changes in conditions (e.g., wages, health care benefits, etc.) of the agricultural workforce; higher productivity in food provision; quantified changes in quality-of-life for youth and adults in rural communities; safer food supply; reduced obesity rates and improved nutrition and health; or higher water quality (e.g., increased water clarity) and a cleaner environment (e.g., measurably reduced pollution).