Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Journal Article 1: Dalziel, K. M., Halliday, D., & Segal, L. (2015). Assessment of the Cost–Benefit Literature on Early Childhood Education for Vulnerable Children: What the Findings Mean for Policy. SAGE Open, 5(1). DOI: 10.1177/2158244015571637

Abstract: Given international interest in evidence-informed early education policy, the authors sought to interpret what is often a confusing literature on the performance of early childhood education programs. They explore whether the programs represent a good return on investment and the factors affecting their transferability.

Questions to Consider:

1. How was the review conducted?
2. Overall do the authors consider the programs to be a good return on investment?
3. How do the authors explain the differences in outcomes across the programs?

Journal Article 2: Willis, E., Semple, A. C., & de Waal, H. (2016). Quantifying the benefits of peer support for people with dementia: A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study. Dementia, 17(3), 266-278. DOI: 10.1177/1471301216640184

Abstract: This study looked at three dementia peer support groups in South London to evaluate what outcomes they produce and how much social value they create in relation to the cost of investment.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is a Social Return on Investment (SROI)?
2. How was this SROI conducted?
3. Was this program determined to provide social value?

Journal Article 3: Lee, S. & Aos, S. (2011). Using cost–benefit analysis to understand the value of social interventions. Research on Social Work Practice, 21(6), 682-688. DOI: 10.1177/1049731511410551

Abstract: This article discusses the usefulness of the I Washington State Institute for Public Policy’s most recent approach to policy research, cost–benefit analysis.

Questions to Consider:

1. What is “evidenced based” and how is it used in policy making?
2. What are the two necessary conditions for driving policy change through cost–benefit analysis according to the authors?
3. What are the authors’ three primary analytical steps?