Suchergebnisse

Abstract
Nonrandomized evaluation designs are an important part of social work research because randomization is not always feasible in social work settings. Although randomly assigned groups are assumed to be equivalent, nonrandomly assigned groups are not. In nonrandomized settings, designs with multiple waves are ideal, but two-wave designs are still widely used. A common method for estimating a treatment effect in nonrandom two-wave designs is the pretest–posttest model. However, depending on relationships among participants and the method of assignment to treatment groups, researchers should consider a difference-in-differences approach to testing treatment effects. Authors describe and compare the pretest–posttest and difference-in-differences approaches and assumptions and offer guidelines, developed from a literature review, about the conditions under which each model is likely to be best. Authors also demonstrate the decision-making process and application of the methods in an evaluation of an elementary school intervention program.

Using family resilience and ecological theories, we examine the relationship between partner work‐required travel separations and spouse psychological well‐being. The study examines the role of work‐organization‐provided supports for families and of informal support networks, including marital satisfaction, as factors that can reduce the risks for indicators of poor well‐being. The data come from a probability sample survey of 8,056 female spouses of U.S. Army personnel, with considerable variation in the amount of travel‐related separations. Findings indicate risks for poor psychological well‐being are greater for spouses who experience more frequent work‐related separations. Findings also indicate that both work organization support and informal support network connections are significant protective factors for spouses experiencing these separations.

Among countries with comparable levels of income, India has one of the more progressive disability policy frameworks; however, people with disabilities in India are subject to multiple disadvantages. This paper focuses on state-level variations in outcomes for people with disabilities to provide one explanation for the stark contrast between the liberal laws on paper and the challenges faced by people with disabilities in practice. Using a random coefficients model that allows for state-level differences, we find that households with members with disabilities have 4.2 percent lower marriage rates, monthly per capita expenditure that is lower by 176 Indian Rupees (19 percent of overall average per capita expenditure), and about a 5 percent lower level of completed formal schooling as compared to households without disabled individuals. Tests of parameter constancy across states are almost uniformly rejected indicating the presence of substantial state-level heterogeneity across all models in the outcomes examined.