A Better Chance (ABC) Evaluation: Study Types

Types of Studies

Type Impact Study (Controlled Experiment)
Aim To determine whether ABC achieves the intended improvements in the well-being of families and children. Note: Experimental component (random assignment) was halted after the passing of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996.
 
Type Implementation/Process Study
Aim To describe and understand welfare reform policies, program operations, and experiences. To understand why and how the program had the effects measured. To suggest useful approaches to strengthening the program’s design and/or operations through a critical review of diverse experiences with ABC by different stakeholders.
 
Type Descriptive/Analytical Study
Aim To report how outcomes change over time. To monitor welfare spell duration, employment experiences, and changes in health and other well-being indicators for children. To contrast outcomes for families with different pre-and post-reform experiences and characteristics.