Evaluation and Mixed-Methods Research

Impact Evaluation

Do programs make a difference? Westat evaluates the impacts of social programs. Our impact evaluations assess whether outcomes for program participants are better than they would have been without the program. The goal is to assess the value-added of programs and inform key decisions on whether to adopt, continue, cancel, or expand these programs.

Implementation Evaluation

Programs can be implemented well or poorly—and the difference can really matter. Westat studies how programs are implemented and whether they were implemented with fidelity. The goal is to inform program improvement and help policymakers understand why some programs work better than others.

Outcome Evaluation

Policymakers care about results. Westat evaluates social programs and studies their outcomes—both intended and otherwise—in a wide range of policy areas. Our outcome evaluations assess whether programs and policies are meeting their goals.

Mixed-Methods Research

In addition to our quantitative data collection expertise, we use qualitative methods to reveal attitudes, beliefs and motivations as well as how a study population makes sense of their experiences. Westat offers a rigorous, customized approach that draws on different exploratory and testing methods such as focus groups, in-depth interviews, cognitive interviews, social listening assessments, and message and usability testing. We specialize in cross-cultural studies, including conducting cognitive testing in multiple languages.