How can one tell if a new programme has been effective or not? Is there any way to predict how a group of individuals would have fared without the new programme or service? Packed with rich and varied examples, Robert F Boruch's book untangles the complexities of randomized field experiments to enable researchers to evaluate better the impact of new programmes. After an exploration of how to judge whether or not a programme worked, the author discusses: the context of experiments; the standards used to judge the ethical propriety of randomized experiments; methods for studying populations;...

The phrase "evidence-based policy" is frequently used, but it's crucial that such claims are scrutinized and validated. When the data on social and behavioral interventions are presented, high-quality evidence must be clearly defined and the methodology behind such studies held to rigorous standards.

Both the Cochrane Collaboration -focusing on healthcare - and the international Campbell Collaboration - concentrating on criminal justice, education, and social services - were created to develop, maintain and improve detailed guidelines for producing high-quality systematic reviews....

ROBERT F. BORUCH AND ROBERT W. PEARSON During the 13th Century. a vigorous argument among Middle Eastern rabbis concerned how one ought to make a fair assessment of an olive crop value for tithing purposes. Should one consolidate the crop. systematically mix the olives. and then conscientiously draw a small random sample? Or. might one simply grab a handful of olives from the nearest basket and make an estimate of the crop's worth. The issue. of course. is one that research designers and research users confront often -- balancing the need for information against the resources that must be put...