NCJ Number
72153
Date Published
1978
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This is a review and criticism of the Knox report on the effect of the Comprehensive Offender Manpower Programs (COMP) submitted to the Illinois Department of Correction (DOC) in June 1978.
Abstract
The review addressed the methodology of the Knox report, particularly its control groups and its cost-benefit analysis. It showed that the report was an ambitious effort at COMP evaluation using control groups measuring cost effectiveness (instead of limiting the analysis to cost efficiency), and using already available computerized data, which was the best approach to a quick and cheap evaluation. However, the cost-benefit analysis was based on incorrect analysis of inadequate data, and therefore, the conclusions of the report should be disregarded. Statistical data, the memorandum on the Cybersystem Research design for an evaluation which preceeded the Knox report, and the evaluation of the report's approach to the internal validity of the data are included.