Research
What Is Cost-Benefit Analysis in Government Programs
When governments plan new programs or consider changing existing ones, they need to weigh the expected costs against the anticipated benefits. That’s where cost-benefit ...
Using Geographic Data for Social Program Targeting
In the quest to make social programs more effective and equitable, governments and nonprofits are increasingly turning to geographic data. This spatial information—ranging from ...
How Predictive Analytics Are Being Used in Social Work
Predictive analytics is transforming how social work professionals identify risk, allocate resources, and intervene before crises occur. By leveraging historical and real-time data, social ...
Applied Data & Evaluation ScienceData-Driven Policy: How Numbers Shape Government Decisions
Governments today face growing pressure to deliver smarter, more effective policies. With limited resources and rising public expectations, the ability to use data strategically ...
OPRE Research Grants – Who Gets Funded and Why
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) funds some of the most influential research in U.S. social policy—shaping how programs like Head Start, ...
How to Use OPRE Materials to Learn Public Research Skills
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) isn’t just a source of research—it’s a training ground for anyone looking to build skills in ...
OPRE Tools Every Social Policy Researcher Should Know
The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) doesn’t just fund and conduct research—it also develops and shares powerful tools that help social policy ...
Mixed Methods in Action: OPRE’s Federal Case Studies
Mixed methods research—combining quantitative and qualitative approaches—is increasingly essential in federal evaluation. At the forefront of this movement is the Office of Planning, Research, ...
Economic Evaluation in Social Research – OPRE’s Approach
Economic evaluation plays a vital role in understanding the cost and value of social programs. At the forefront of this work is the Office ...
Top 5 Lessons from the OPRE 2024 Methods Meeting
The 2024 OPRE Methods Meeting brought together leading minds in evaluation, social science, and public policy to explore the evolving landscape of federal research ...
