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Video: Alternatives to Random Assignment for Outcome Evaluations
Random assignment is considered the gold standard when conducting program outcome evaluations because it ensures that the groups you are comparing 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:
- Quasi-experimental designs (e.g., waitlist and matched comparison groups), which can be used to limit systemic differences between the treatment group and the comparison group
- One-group pre-test/post-test designs, which compare outcomes for program participants before and after they receive the intervention
This brief video 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.
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