This article examines the phenomenon of volunteering from a benefit-cost perspective. Both the individual making a decision to volunteer and the organization making a decision to use volunteer labor face benefits and costs of their actions, yet these costs and benefits almost always remain unarticulated, perhaps because the common perception of…

This article reviews the use of several valuation methods as they relate to drug abuse and places them within the context of U.S. policy. First, cost-of-illness (COI) studies are reviewed and their limitations discussed. Second, three additional economic methods of valuing drug abuse are reviewed, including cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA),…

This article summarizes critical evaluation needs, challenges, and lessons learned in translational research. Evaluation can play a key role in enhancing successful application of research-based programs and tools as well as informing program refinement and future research. Discussion centers on what is unique about evaluating programs and…

Responds to criticism by Levy, Wong, Benbenisty, and Mattaini (1996) of Rubin and Knox's (1996) article (CG 548 550) concerning data analysis in single-case evaluations. Refutes assertions that the intention of the article was to reject all single-case methodology. The intention was to emphasize the limitations inherent in applying such methods in…

The purpose of this article is to discuss evidence-based practice (EBP) from the perspective of a self-identified evidence-based practitioner. Discussion of EBP includes choosing an initial intervention and evaluation procedures, the iterative process of rechoosing and refining an intervention over the treatment life span, and the importance of…

Responds to Rubin and Knox's (1996) article concerning data analysis in single-case evaluations. Asserts that their conclusions are based on confusions between research and practice, misunderstandings and misstatements of the relative utility of single-case and group designs for both, and neglect of the basic literature regarding single-case…

Because resources are limited, the benefits and costs of social-work interventions--like all interventions--must be compared with the benefits and costs of alternatives. Evidence-based practice should ask, What works? How well does it work? And what does it cost? This article analyzes the provision of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) with a…