Open AccessImproving the efficiency of evidence-based interventions: The strengths and limitations of randomised controlled trials
Author(s) -
Mark Tomlinson,
Catherine L. Ward,
Marguerite Marlow
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
sa crime quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2413-3108
pISSN - 1991-3877
DOI - 10.17159/2413-3108/2015/v0i51a775
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , psychological intervention , regression discontinuity design , gold standard (test) , intervention (counseling) , medicine , physical therapy , medical physics , nursing , surgery , pathology
Globally, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are increasingly seen as the gold standard of programme evaluation, representing the best way to determine whether new interventions are effective – but they are not without limitations. In this article, we discuss the phases of scientific discovery and the research standards that are necessary before scaling up interventions. We also outline the core characteristics of RCTs, such as randomisation, efficacy and effectiveness, and discuss the benefits of using the RCT as the standard of intervention evaluation. We discuss how ‘realist’ evaluation contributes to what policymakers need to know in order to make a decision about an evaluation and alternatives to the RCT, such as stepped wedge, regression discontinuity, non-randomised cohort, and time series designs.