This monograph critiques the many nonexperimental impact estimation approaches that have been based on external comparison groups. It proposes an approach to evaluating employment and training (E&T) programs that calls for using the group of individuals who apply to a program but then choose not to participate in that program as an…

The methodology to perform benefit-cost studies exists, but there is much ambiguity concerning the implications of such studies as a result of using faulty methodology. For example, control groups are a necessity, as are adequate sampling procedures and adjustment for non-response bias and self-selection bias, and all studies do not employ this…