2013-2027
Project Overview
The mission of the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) is to produce rigorous evidence for improving child and family well-being. OPRE’s portfolio has long included work using innovative methodology in social science research. The passage of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, also known as the Evidence Act, amplified the need to build awareness of methodological advancements for evaluating social programs and policies and to strengthen the capacity of human services programs to evaluate their effectiveness. In 2013, OPRE launched the Methodological Advancement project to address these needs.
OPRE Methods Meeting
The Methods Meeting brings together expertise from various disciplines, policy fields, academia, government, and the private sector to explore innovations in research methodology, study design, analytic techniques, and data measurement to advance the Government’s use of rigorous research methods. These meetings ensure that OPRE‐supported research continues to represent the most scientifically advanced approaches to determining effectiveness and efficiency of ACF programs. The meetings also build evaluation capacity more broadly. The OPRE Methods Meeting typically takes place each year in the fall.
The contractor that facilitated 2014-2016 methods meetings was RTI International. The contractor that facilitated 2017 to 2023 methods meetings was Insight Policy Research. MEF Associates will facilitate methods meetings for 2024-2026.
Visit the OPRE Innovative Methods Meetings website to access resources and materials from previous meetings.
Point(s) of contact: Kristyn Wong VanDahm & Paula Daneri