Evaluation Research

Is the program working as intended? What is its impact on participants? Are tax dollars being directed to their best and highest use? These are the types of questions often raised by legislators, funders and program managers when they are deciding how to allocate scare resources. Through rigorous program evaluation, researchers at the Schaefer Center provide the analysis leaders need to make informed decisions.

Through the combined resources of its evaluation unit and opinion research unit, the Schaefer Center is uniquely qualified to conduct thorough, cost-efficient and rigorous program evaluations. Its team includes experts in impact, process and cost analysis who employ a variety of data collection and analysis techniques to answer tough evaluation questions. While staff members are well versed in evaluation research, subject matter experts are occasionally needed to complete the research team. In these instances, the center is able to draw upon the collective expertise of the University of Baltimore community.

Over the years, Schaefer Center researchers have conducted numerous evaluations of public and nonprofit programs in the areas of welfare, safety net programs, education, health care and criminal justice, to name a few. The center has also been called upon by the Maryland General Assembly to provide unbiased research into significant policy issues, including physician self-referral and health care provider credentialing practices.