Publication Date

1-1-1995

DOI

10.17848/9780585284545

Abstract

The authors begin with a thorough assessment of the many nonexperimental employment and training program evaluation techniques based on non-random comparison groups. These techniques typically use econometric methods to estimate the effects of employment and training programs by using comparison groups from non-program "external" sources. Then, recognizing the inherent drawbacks in these methods, Bell, Orr, Blomquist and Cain respond by reintroducing an evaluation method first implemented in the 1960s, the use of "internal" comparison groups consisting of nonparticipating program applicants. These groups include withdrawals, screen-outs and no-shows of the programs being evaluated in order to solve the selection bias problem. By applying to the program, say the authors, nonparticipating applicants reveal themselves to have some of the same difficult-to-measure, personal characteristics that inspire participants to seek help in response to their current economic situation. The methodology of this technique is updated, then tested against the random experimental findings derived from a controlled job training experiment, the AFDC Homemaker-Home Health Aide Demonstrations. Encouraging results are presented along with useful suggestions for designers and implementers of all types of program evaluations.

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Contents

  1. Methods Used to Evaluate Employment and Training Programs in the Past
  2. The Case for Applicant-Based Comparison Groups
  3. Estimating Program Effects in the AFDC Homemaker-Home Health Aide Demonstrations
  4. Testing Alternative Estimates for Selection Bias
  5. Summary and Recommendations

ISBN

9780880991575 (pbk.) ; 9780585284545 (ebook)

Subject Areas

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT; Public training programs; On the job training; Employer provided training

Program Applicants as a Comparison Group in Evaluating Training Programs: Theory and a Test

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Citation

Bell, Stephen H., Larry L. Orr, and John D. Blomquist, and Glen G. Cain. 1995. Program Applicants as a Comparison Group in Evaluating Training Programs: Theory and a Test. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. https://doi.org/10.17848/9780585284545

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.