To: Readers of the Evidence-Based Policy Newsletter
I’m pleased to share issue #3 of my newsletter on recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) findings — see “RCT Summaries” below. As brief background:
- This is a newsletter for policymakers, researchers, and others who want to keep abreast of rigorous evidence on “what works” in social policy. I recently launched the newsletter as a pilot, to gauge interest. Feedback welcome (by replying to this email). You may unsubscribe below.
- In connection with my prior work and a forthcoming initiative (TBA), I review almost all RCTs of U.S. social programs, and many international RCTs. The newsletter shares my quick take on the latest findings — without spin, just the facts. I focus mainly on RCTs because, when feasible and well-conducted, they’re considered the strongest method of evaluating program effectiveness.
- The main vehicle for sharing these findings is Twitter (please follow me here). For those of you not on Twitter, I also share them via periodic emails — e.g., every few weeks (see prior issues). Please forward this newsletter to others who may be interested (they can subscribe here).
Best,
Jon
Twitter page/bio
RCT Summaries:
- Researchers David Dubois and Carla Herrera just reported interim results of a national RCT of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Community-Based Mentoring Program. Quick take: High-quality RCT finds sizable reductions in youth arrests and substance use over 18-month follow-up. (See full summary.)
- @TheLancetPH just published the first RCT of a commercial group weight-loss program (Weight Watchers) with long-term (5-year) follow-up. Quick take: Pretty good RCT found small weight-loss impacts (2–4 lbs) that weren’t statistically significant. Sizable 1-year impacts had faded. (See full summary.)
- A quick detour to a medical RCT, which affects me having newly turned 60. @NEJM just published the 1st large RCT of colonoscopy screening to prevent colorectal cancer. Quick take: High-quality RCT shows screening benefit, but much smaller than suggested by prior non-RCTs. (See full summary.)
- @PNASNews published an RCT of Procedural Justice training for police, to foster fair/respectful treatment of citizens. Quick take: High-quality RCT found no effect on community perceptions of police legitimacy (primary outcome) but suggestive effects on some other outcomes. (See full summary.)
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