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