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Evaluation and Mixed-Methods Research
Are the nation’s social programs and policies actually succeeding? Can they be more effective? Westat’s impact, implementation, and outcome evaluations answer these questions, helping clients course correct, if necessary, or embrace new approaches to achieve more favorable results for various populations.
Overview
Evaluations at Westat test approaches governments, foundations, and businesses adopt to alleviate social problems. Westat studies how social programs are implemented, measures program effectiveness, and compares costs and benefits. This work helps clients to learn what works and make course corrections to better achieve their goals.
Our Expertise
Impact Evaluation
Do programs make a difference? Westat evaluates the impacts of social programs. Our impact evaluations assess whether outcomes for program participants are better than they would have been without the program. The goal is to assess the value-added of programs and inform key decisions on whether to adopt, continue, cancel, or expand these programs.
Implementation Evaluation
Programs can be implemented well or poorly—and the difference can really matter. Westat studies how programs are implemented and whether they were implemented with fidelity. The goal is to inform program improvement and help policymakers understand why some programs work better than others.
Outcome Evaluation
Policymakers care about results. Westat evaluates social programs and studies their outcomes—both intended and otherwise—in a wide range of policy areas. Our outcome evaluations assess whether programs and policies are meeting their goals.
Mixed-Methods Research
In addition to our quantitative data collection expertise, we use qualitative methods to reveal attitudes, beliefs and motivations as well as how a study population makes sense of their experiences. Westat offers a rigorous, customized approach that draws on different exploratory and testing methods such as focus groups, in-depth interviews, cognitive interviews, social listening assessments, and message and usability testing. We specialize in cross-cultural studies, including conducting cognitive testing in multiple languages.
Experts
Meet the Team
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Cindy Gruman
Vice President
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Debra Rog
Vice President
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Eric Isenberg
Associate Vice President
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Gary Silverstein
Associate Vice President
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Gina Shkodriani
Principal Research Associate
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Jill Feldman
Principal Research Associate
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Jill Lammert
Associate Vice President
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John Hitchcock
Associate Vice President
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Joy Frechtling
Vice President
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Julie Bollmer
Associate Vice President
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Kerry Levin
Vice President
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Lauren Decker-Woodrow
Principal Research Associate
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Lindsay J. Giesen
Principal Research Associate
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Mustafa C. Karakus
Associate Vice President
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Patty Troppe
Vice President
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Saloni Sapru
Principal Research Associate
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Simani Price
Associate Vice President
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Tom Fiore
Senior Advisor
Projects
Keep Reading
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Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
How can we grow the nurse supply in underserved areas? -
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
How do we enhance research in disease prevention and health promotion? -
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
How can we improve knowledge on the causes and distribution of cancer?
Insights
Deep Dive with Our Experts
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Expert Interview
Passport to Careers: Aiding Foster and Homeless Young AdultsJuly 2024
The Passport to Careers program in Washington State supports former foster youth and homeless youth unaccompanied by a parent or guardian in achieving their college…
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Expert Interview
PMGE: Blueprint for Culturally Responsive EvaluationsMay 2024
Long known for its cutting-edge studies, the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), a department of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has…
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Expert Interview
Leveraging WIC EBT Data for In-Depth Program AnalysisApril 2024
Since its founding 50 years ago, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been a critically needed source of food…