What Does It Mean to be Research-Based?
Research-based practice (sometimes referred to as “best” or “leading” practices) generally refers to practices that are proven effective by some sort of documented evidence that comes from research or experience. What counts as "evidence" varies. Evidence often is defined as findings established through scientific research, but other methods of establishing evidence are considered valid as well. Research-based practice stands in contrast to approaches that are based on tradition, convention, common beliefs, or anecdotal evidence (personal stories).
Simply put, a program is judged to be research-based if:
· Evaluation shows the program produced the hoped-for positive results
· The results can be attributed to the program itself, rather than to other factors or events
· The evaluation is reviewed by persons knowledgable in the field
Many high-level programs are also “endorsed” by a respected research organizations or federal agency and included in their list of effective programs, such as the list published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) of the federal government.
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