Randomized field experiments have been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the
Rockefeller Foundation's Minority Female Single Parent Program. This article reviews
problems engendered by the randomization and discusses the ways they have been
resolved. The lessons should help to make randomization easier when community based
organizations are an integral part of a field experiment.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Betsey, C., R. Hollister , and M. Papagiordiou [eds.] (1985) Youth Employment Training Program: The YEDPA Years . Washington, DC: National Academy of Sciences.
2.
Berk, R.A., K.J. Lenihan, and P.H. Rossi (1980) "Crime and poverty." Amer. Soc. Rev., 45, 766-786.
3.
Boruch, R. and W. Wothke [eds.] (1985) Randomization in Field Experimentation. New Directions for Program Evaluation 28. San Francisco : Jossey-Bass.
4.
Collins, J. and I. Elkin (1985) Randomization of the NIMH treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program. New Directions for Program Evaluation28: 27-38.
5.
Corsi, J. and T. Hurley (1979) "Pilot report on the use of the telephone in administrative hearings: the California experience." Admin. Law Rev., 247.
6.
Cottingham, P. and A. Rodriguez (1987) "The experimental testing of the Minority Female Single Parent Program." Proceedings of the American Statistical Association, Survey Methods Section. Washington, DC.
7.
Friedman, L.M., C.D. Furberg, and D.L. DeMets (1981) Fundamentals of Clinical Trials. Boston: John Wright.
8.
Greer, K. (1987) Randomization and Field Experimentation. MS thesis, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
9.
Kerachsky, S. et al. (1985) Impacts of Transitional Employment on Mentally Retarded Adults. Princeton, NJ: Mathematica Policy Research.
10.
Mathematica Policy Research (1987) Random Assignment in the Minority Female Single Parent Project. Princeton, NJ: Author.
11.
L, R.J. ( 1986) "Evaluating the econometric evaluations of training programs with experimental data." Amer. Econ. Rev.76 (4): 604-619.
12.
New York Department of Social Services (1986 ) Request for Proposal: Evaluation of the Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Centers. December 23. Albany, NY: Author.
13.
Riecken H. W. and R. F. Boruch [Eds.] (1974) Social Experimentation: A Method for Planning and Evaluating Social Programs. New York: Academic Press.
14.
Rodriguez, A. (forthcoming) The Consequences of Shifting to Random Assignment. New York: Rockefeller Foundation.
15.
Rubin, D.B. (1977) "Assignment of treatment group on the basis of a covariate." J. of Educ. Statistics2: 1-26.