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Measuring Law for Evaluation Research

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Tremper

    (Perutilis Research & Consulting, Santa Cruz, CA, USA)

  • Sue Thomas

    (Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Santa Cruz, CA, USA)

  • Alexander C. Wagenaar

    (College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, wagenaar@gmail.com)

Abstract

Evaluations that combine social science and law have tremendous potential to illuminate the effects of governmental policies and yield insights into how effectively policy makers’ efforts achieve their aims. This potential is infrequently achieved, however, because such interdisciplinary research contains often overlooked substantive and methodological challenges. This article offers detailed guidance for conducting successful multidisciplinary evaluations that use legal data. It addresses major issues that commonly arise and offers practical solutions based both on the authors’ extensive experience and recommended best practices developed in concert with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Public Health Law Research Program.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Tremper & Sue Thomas & Alexander C. Wagenaar, 2010. "Measuring Law for Evaluation Research," Evaluation Review, , vol. 34(3), pages 242-266, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:34:y:2010:i:3:p:242-266
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X10370018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brownson, R.C. & Chriqui, J.F. & Stamatakis, K.A., 2009. "Understanding evidence-based public health policy," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(9), pages 1576-1583.
    2. Mello, M.M. & Pomeranz, J. & Moran, P., 2008. "The interplay of public health law and industry self-regulation: The case of sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(4), pages 595-604.
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    Cited by:

    1. Eldred, Lindsey M. & Gifford, Elizabeth J., 2016. "Empirical evidence on legal levers aimed at addressing child maltreatment," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 11-19.

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