Random assignment evaluation studies
Biomedical Experiments
-Double blind studies -Randomly assigned
Addressing reservations that program providers may have
-Many may feel that random assignment is unfair -Need to recognize the needs of the practitioner
How is random assignment done?
-People are randomly assigned, there can be more than one treatment group -When done at the level of a group (classroom) treatment is provided to all the classrooms in the treatment group, but none in the control group
Why are random assignment studies important
-Randomization is the best way to create equal groups -A random assignment experimental study is the only way to be sure about cause and effect
Social Experiments
-everyone is offered the program, that doesnt mean everybody will participate
Outcomes related to programs
-research is found that programs don't work (all the time) - researchers find that programs have unexpected positive impacts -Experimental studies often find that programs work for one subgroup but not for another
Keys for random assignment experimental studies
Both experimental group/ control group are the same
Random Assignment studies (what works?)
Evidence can be found about cause and effect relationships; provide credible evidence about the size of impacts found for a program
The treatment
Isn't a pill or medical procedure, but an opportunity to be in a certain program
Program participant characteristics
Motivation is key
Random assignment always necessary?
No.... "Rhinoceros in the living room"
Experimental studies
not necessary if a program is replicating a proven approach
Implementation study
program that is just getting started
monitoring outcomes
useful to programs that seek preliminary evidence about expected outcomes