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Parable of Two Agencies, One of Which Randomizes

Author

Listed:
  • Dominic Pearson

    (National Probation Service in County Durham)

  • David Torgerson

    (York Trials Unit)

  • Cynthia McDougall

    (University of York)

  • Roger Bowles

    (University of York, UK)

Abstract

This article examines the design of evaluations in settings where there is a choice as to how an intervention is to be introduced and evaluated. It uses data from a supervision program for offenders on probation in the UK (Bruce and Hollin forthcoming) that had been indicated by a pilot evaluation in one probation area to merit wider-scale implementation and evaluation. For the remaining two probation areas in the region, a randomized controlled allocation of participants to conditions was recommended. One of the areas adopted a stepped wedge design, in which probation offices were randomly allocated sequentially to the program. The second area opted to launch the program across the whole area simultaneously, with a retrospective sample as control group. The article compares the results of implementation in each probation area and seeks to draw wider inferences about the management of program implementation and the randomized controlled designs appropriate for similar field studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominic Pearson & David Torgerson & Cynthia McDougall & Roger Bowles, 2010. "Parable of Two Agencies, One of Which Randomizes," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 628(1), pages 11-29, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:628:y:2010:i:1:p:11-29
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716209351500
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Weisburd & Cynthia M. Lum & Anthony Petrosino, 2001. "Does Research Design Affect Study Outcomes in Criminal Justice?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 578(1), pages 50-70, November.
    2. David P. Farrington, 2003. "British Randomized Experiments on Crime and Justice," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 589(1), pages 150-167, September.
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