NCJ Number
191528
Journal
Evaluation Review Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 47-72
Date Published
2000
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This article examines the role of mediators and moderators in the evaluation of programs for children by examining abstracts of recent outcome studies. After discussing the reason for focusing on evaluations of programs for children, an illustration is provided of how these third variables have been used. Recommendations for improving analysis of such variables in future evaluations of child-focused programs are provided.
Abstract
Evaluation deals with the scientific assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, products, and organizations to improve their effectiveness. Some of these assessments are outcomes or impact evaluations. The evaluator in such studies focuses on the relationship of two variables: the independent variable representing the program and the dependent variable representing the outcome measure. In some studies, evaluators also examine the role of important third variables known as mediators and moderators. A mediator serves as a causal link between program and effect. In contrast to the causal relationship of the mediator to both the independent and dependent variable, moderators in an evaluation examine the interaction of the program variable with some other variable. Most moderator analyses examine first-order effects, that is, the influence of one factor such as gender or race on the dependent variable. The author examined current practice in mediator and moderator analysis for the following areas of childhood intervention: education, mental health, juvenile justice, medicine, child protection, child protection, and social services. The results showed that the reporting of mediator and moderator analysis was sporadic and vague at best. An agenda for improvement is outlined that includes greater use of program theory and intensive case studies to find out why researchers in prevention and health promotion incorporate mediators and moderators more effectively in their evaluations. Notes, references