Research Methods
Evaluation Research and Problem Analysis
Terms/Definitions
evaluation research
An example of applied research, evaluation involves assessing the effects of some program or policy action, usually in connection with the goals of that action. Determining whether a sex offender treatment program attained its goal of reducing recidivism by participants would be an example. Compare with problem analysis.
evidence-based policy
Using data and other sources of information to formulate and evaluate justice policy. This usually means planning justice actions based on evidence of need, such as deploying police patrols to crime hot spots. It also includes assessing the results of justice policy, such as measuring any change in recidivism among a group of offenders processed through drug court.
impact assessment
A type of applied research that seeks to answer the question: “Did a public program have the intended effect on the problem it was meant to address?” If, for example, a new burglary prevention program has the goal of reducing burglary in a particular neighborhood, an impact assessment would try to determine whether burglary was, in fact, reduced as a result of the new program. Compare with process evaluation.
problem analysis
Using social science research methods to assess the scope and nature of a problem, to plan and select actions to address the problem. For example, examining patterns of auto theft to decide what preventive and enforcement strategies should be pursued is an example of problem analysis. Compare with evaluation research.
problem solving
An example of applied research that combines elements of evaluation and policy analysis. The most widely known approach to problem solving in policing is the SARA model, which stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment.
process evaluation
A type of applied research that seeks to determine whether a public program was implemented as intended. For example, a burglary prevention program might seek to reduce burglaries by having crime prevention officers meet with all residents of some target neighborhood. A process evaluation would determine whether meetings with neighborhood residents were taking place as planned. Compare with impact assessment.
stakeholders
Individuals with some interest, or stake, in a specific program. Any particular program may have multiple stakeholders with different interests and goals.
evaluation research
An example of applied research, evaluation involves assessing the effects of some program or policy action, usually in connection with the goals of that action. Determining whether a sex offender treatment program attained its goal of reducing recidivism by participants would be an example. Compare with problem analysis.
evidence-based policy
Using data and other sources of information to formulate and evaluate justice policy. This usually means planning justice actions based on evidence of need, such as deploying police patrols to crime hot spots. It also includes assessing the results of justice policy, such as measuring any change in recidivism among a group of offenders processed through drug court.
impact assessment
A type of applied research that seeks to answer the question: “Did a public program have the intended effect on the problem it was meant to address?” If, for example, a new burglary prevention program has the goal of reducing burglary in a particular neighborhood, an impact assessment would try to determine whether burglary was, in fact, reduced as a result of the new program. Compare with process evaluation.
problem analysis
Using social science research methods to assess the scope and nature of a problem, to plan and select actions to address the problem. For example, examining patterns of auto theft to decide what preventive and enforcement strategies should be pursued is an example of problem analysis. Compare with evaluation research.
problem solving
An example of applied research that combines elements of evaluation and policy analysis. The most widely known approach to problem solving in policing is the SARA model, which stands for scanning, analysis, response, and assessment.
process evaluation
A type of applied research that seeks to determine whether a public program was implemented as intended. For example, a burglary prevention program might seek to reduce burglaries by having crime prevention officers meet with all residents of some target neighborhood. A process evaluation would determine whether meetings with neighborhood residents were taking place as planned. Compare with impact assessment.
stakeholders
Individuals with some interest, or stake, in a specific program. Any particular program may have multiple stakeholders with different interests and goals.
