Evaluation Review

 

Advanced Search

Journal Navigation

Journal Home

Subscriptions

Archive

Contact Us

Table of Contents

Click Here for More Information

Click here for free access to the SAGE eReference platform!

Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools.
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow References
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to Saved Citations
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Right arrow Request Reprints
Right arrow Add to My Marked Citations
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Trochim, W. M.K.
Right arrow Articles by Davis, J. E.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Trochim, W. M.K.
Right arrow Articles by Davis, J. E.
Social Bookmarking
Add to CiteULike   Add to Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us   Add to Digg   Add to Reddit   Add to Technorati  
What's this?
Evaluation Review, Vol. 10, No. 5, 609-634 (1986)
DOI: 10.1177/0193841X8601000504

Computer Simulation for Program Evaluation

William M.K. Trochim

Cornell University

James E. Davis

Cornell University

Computer simulations in evaluation research are useful for (1) improving student understanding of basic research principles and analytic techniques; (2) investigating the effects of problems that arise in the implementation of research; and (3) exploring the accuracy and utility of novel analytic techniques applied to problematic data structures. This article describes these uses of microcomputer simulations for the context of human service program evaluation. Simple mathematical models are described for the three most commonly used human service outcome evaluation designs: the pretest-posttest random ized experiment, the pretest posttest nonequivalent groups design; and the regression- discontinuity design. The models are translated into a single microcomputer program that can be used to conduct the simulations. Examples of the use of this program on an IBM PC microcomputer are provided to illustrate the three uses of the simulations described. The article concludes by arguing that simulations need to utilize experimental design principles when rigorous, definitive results are desired, but that simulations may have great potential value as an exploratory or teaching tool in human service research.


Add to CiteULike CiteULike   Add to Connotea Connotea   Add to Del.icio.us Del.icio.us   Add to Digg Digg   Add to Reddit Reddit   Add to Technorati Technorati    What's this?