Evaluation

Rigorous, high-quality research is at the core of CRESP’s mission.

Our experienced staff engages in a variety of methods to understand how, why, and if programs or policies are effective. We conduct both qualitative and quantitative research and maintain staff expertise in:

• applied policy research investigating public health and educational innovations and interventions;
• program evaluation;
• quantitative analyses of large administrative, state, regional, and national databases;
• qualitative methods to promote knowledge of important, but difficult-to-measure characteristics of programs and collaborative partnerships;
• randomized controlled field trials;
• longitudinal studies of changes over time that combine data from disparate sources; and
• application of statistical methods from economics, engineering, and other disciplines to social programs and policies.

CRESP researchers are trained in evaluation methodology, randomized field experiments, natural experiments, qualitative methods, statistical analysis, and survey research. 

NEW BOOK RELEASE

Sue Giancola, CRESP Senior Associate Director, recently published Program Evaluation: Embedding Evaluation into Program Design and Development. This book provides an in-depth examination of the foundations, methods, and relevant issues in the field of evaluation. With an emphasis on an embedded approach, where evaluation is an explicit part of a program that leads to the refinement of the program, students will learn how to conduct effective evaluations that foster continual improvement and enable data-based decision making. This text provides students with both the theoretical understanding and the practical tools to conduct effective evaluations while being rigorous enough for experienced evaluators looking to expand their approach to evaluation. Purchase a copy here.