Webinar: Alternatives to Using Random Assignment for Outcome Evaluations

Random assignment is considered the gold standard when conducting program outcome evaluations because it ensures that the groups being compared are similar in key characteristics and that findings reflect program effects. However, random assignment is not always feasible. Other, less rigorous, approaches to developing comparison groups include the following: 

• Quasi-experimental designs (such as waitlist and matched comparison groups), which can be used to limit systemic differences between the treatment group and the comparison group; and
• One-group pre-test/post-test designs, which compare outcomes for program participants before and after they receive the intervention to detect changes likely associated with the intervention.  

This webinar from the Evaluation and Sustainability Training and Technical Assistance (ES TTA) team at RTI International and the Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) provides an overview of random assignment and possible alternative approaches that reentry programs can use to evaluate their programs. The webinar also discusses data and design questions that researchers must answer to determine the design that is right for their specific outcome evaluation.

Speakers:

• Samuel Skaggs, Research Criminologist, RTI International
• Sarah Fineran, Director of Research, Iowa Department of Corrections