Policy and Planning

      1. CONFOUNDING FACTORS Define "confounding factors" and identify extraneous causes that explain, in whole or part, changes to a problem or population that may bias the measurement of the program or policy prior to considering research designs. Provide measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of incurring confounding factors. (33 points) 2. OUTCOME MEASURES In an effort to determine whether an intervention has an impact, the researcher must establish adequate measures. In doing so, distinguish between the concepts of validity and reliability including design effects that can threaten both. Report on a technique that can be used to test the value of each concept. (33 points) 3. RESEARCH DESIGNS Research designs are constructed to test how data will be collected in order to measure the impact of a program. Quasi-experimental designs are strong constructs for testing cause-and-effect relationships. In testing for a change in the behavior of individuals released from prison, propose a research design and describe how you would use it to measure the impact of this type of program. (33 points) 4. IMLEMENTATION WOES: PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT (RSAT) FOR INMATES IN STATE PRISONS * An assessment of the RSAT program at the "shake-down" stage pointed out many difficulties at virtually every stage of the "Planned Change" approach to implementation. Issues such as property management, procurement regulations, aftercare treatment, adequate resources and the scope of the evaluation were cited as deficiencies. Faced with these problems, how you would explain to the funding authority a mid-implementation adjustment strategy to preserve realistic goals and objectives of the program.