A method to obtain a randomized control group where it seems impossible

Journal/Book: Evaluation Rev. 1999; 23: 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA. Sage Publications Inc. 363-377.

Abstract: Randomization of program participants into control and experimental groups is often not feasible in field settings. The researcher's desire to evaluate a program with a rigorous experimental design is often incompatible with the objective of serving the expressed needs of the program participants. However opportunities do arise when a randomized control group can be constructed without disregarding the participants 'wish to be included in the treatment group, This article describes a method that uses the participants' compliance to program instructions as a means of classifying participants and, thereby, obtains a randomized central group for a subset of participants. A large smoking intervention project is used to illustrate two variations of this method.

Note: Article Zhu SH, Univ Calif San Diego, Mail Code 0905, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla,CA 92093 USA

Keyword(s): SMOKING CESSATION; INTERVENTIONS; MOTIVATION

Zurück | Weiter

A method to obtain a randomized control group where it seems impossible - A case study in program evaluation