Abstract
Quasi-experimental research methods widely used in health and social science research are often used to make causal inferences. Yet (with certain exceptions, for example, the regression discontinuity design, Cook and Campbell, 1979) their designs are often not sufficiently reliable to do so. Many quasi-experiments cannot ‘design-out’ potential bias, unlike randomised controlled trials. In this chapter we discuss the particular problems of the before and after study.
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© 2008 David J. Torgerson and Carole J. Torgerson
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Torgerson, D.J., Torgerson, C.J. (2008). The Limitations of Before and After Designs. In: Designing Randomised Trials in Health, Education and the Social Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583993_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583993_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-53736-1
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-58399-3
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social & Cultural Studies CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)