This article explores the statistical methodologies used in demonstration and effectiveness studies when the treatments are applied across multiple settings. The importance of evaluating and how to evaluate these types of studies are discussed. As an alternative to standard methodology, the authors of this article offer an empirical binomial…

Commonly used techniques for estimating the effect of data error on fund allocations are biased because they fail to account for numerous sources of data error and for misspecification of the allocation formula itself. Alternate methods for estimating the effects of data error are presented. (Author/BS)

A statistical power algorithm based on the Fisher Z method is developed for cutoff-based random clinical trials and the single cutoff-point (regression-discontinuity) design that has no randomization. This article quantifies power and sample size estimates for various levels of power and cutoff-based assignment. (Author/SLD)

A recent study (Blair and Higgins, 1980) indicated a power advantage for the Wilcoxon W Test over student's t-test when calculated from a common mixed-normal sample. Results of the present study indicate that the t-test corrected for outliers shows a superior power curve to the Wilcoxon W.

A data set (4,398 drug offenders from Florida) is used to estimate impacts of probation and imprisonment on recidivism and to explore the impact of biases related to selection and interruption of the duration of probation. Correcting for these biases leaves no evidence that probation impacts on duration of recidivism. (SLD)

Use of analysis of covariance or multiple regression can lead to Type I errors in pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group designs. Analysis of the interaction term of a repeated model analysis of variance was shown to help identify areas of significant change. The standardized difference score, effect size, suggested meaningful differences.…

Statistical identification of employees with unusual sick leave patterns can result in false-positive identifications. A computer simulation model was used to evaluate alternate methods of unusual sick leave detection for the New York State Department of Health. Results were used to refine identification parameters and modify supervisory…

A theoretical model is presented, suggesting stakeholder involvement in establishing the process of decision making in school-conducted needs assessment. Stakeholder involvement affects the validity of the selected needs, with validity defined as teacher agreement with needs selection. Data from a survey of 151 teachers support the model. (SLD)

A solution to the problem of specification error due to excluded variables in statistical models of treatment effects in nonrandomized (nonequivalent) control group designs is presented. It involves longitudinal observation with at least two pretests. A maximum likelihood estimation program such as LISREL may provide reasonable estimates of…