Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Irrational Criminal Justice Policy
- 3 A Solution for Improving Criminal Justice Policy
- 4 Needs Evaluations
- 5 Theory Evaluations
- 6 Implementation Evaluations
- 7 Outcome Evaluations and Impact Evaluations
- 8 Cost-Efficiency Evaluations
- 9 Conclusion
- Notes
- References
- Index
3 - A Solution for Improving Criminal Justice Policy
Evaluation Research
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Irrational Criminal Justice Policy
- 3 A Solution for Improving Criminal Justice Policy
- 4 Needs Evaluations
- 5 Theory Evaluations
- 6 Implementation Evaluations
- 7 Outcome Evaluations and Impact Evaluations
- 8 Cost-Efficiency Evaluations
- 9 Conclusion
- Notes
- References
- Index
Summary
The central argument of this book is that an evaluation research framework provides one solution for helping make criminal justice policy more accountable and effective. More precisely, application of an evaluation framework on a widespread basis throughout the criminal justice system and as part of policy-making efforts can help ensure that (1) the need for policies is clearly identified, (2) policies rest on a solid theoretical or logical foundation, (3) are implemented well, (4) are effective, and (5) achieve their goals in a cost-efficient manner. These five dimensions constitute the cornerstones of the evaluation hierarchy. Evaluation research is no panacea, but it nonetheless constitutes a critical part of any effort to place criminal justice policy on a firm foundation.
This chapter describes the history of evaluation research and what it is. In so doing, it focuses particular attention on describing each type of evaluation and the logic of the hierarchy. It makes the case that evaluation research can be used as a conceptual foundation for thinking about what accountability and evidence-based policy mean, and it highlights parallels between evaluation research and performance monitoring. It then discusses the benefits of evaluation research and the art and science of conducting it. The subsequent chapters describe each of the five types of evaluation in detail and illustrate them by examining criminal justice policies.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- American Criminal Justice PolicyAn Evaluation Approach to Increasing Accountability and Effectiveness, pp. 35 - 50Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2010