Computer Simulation of Human Service Program Evaluations

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Abstract
Computer simulations in human service research are useful for (1) improving student understanding of basic research of principles and analytic techniques, and (2) investigating the effects of problems which arise in the implementation of research. This paper describes these uses of simulations for the context of human service program evaluation. Simple mathematical models are described for the three most commonly used human service outcome evaluation designs-the pretest-posttest randomized experiment, the pretest-posttest nonequivalent groups design, and the regression-discontinuity design. The models are translated into a single computer program which can be used to conduct the simulations, and examples of the use of this program are provided. The paper concludes that simulations need to utilize experimental design principles when rigorous, definitive results are desired, but that, even when this is not possible or desirable, simulations may have great potential value as an exploratory or teaching tool in human service research.

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