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

Eval Rev. 1999 Aug;23(4):363-77. doi: 10.1177/0193841X9902300401.

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 control group for a subset of participants. A large smoking intervention project is used to illustrate two variations of this method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • California
  • Decision Trees
  • Health Services Research / methods*
  • Hotlines / standards
  • Humans
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Program Evaluation / methods*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Research Design / standards*
  • Smoking Cessation