ABSTRACT
Chapter 9, “Outcome Evaluations with One Group” describes the way that simple research designs with a single group can be the appropriate basis for an evaluation of many programs, as long as the limitations of this design are understood and acknowledged to stakeholders. These limitations, especially those called threats to internal validity, are also described and explained. Typical methods for statistical analysis of the data gathered as a part of evaluations using these designs are noted and elaborated. The benefits of using this design, which matches the reality of many programs, either in terms of what information can be collected or because of the needs of the current stakeholders, are described and then illustrated in a case study of a program offering spiritual retreats to homeless adults.
