Research and Evaluation
As a minority-owned small business with more than 40 years of experience and success, DIR understands the ethical and feasibility challenges related to research. We offer the most appropriate study designs and methods, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and appropriately tailored analyses. Our team is accustomed to designing rigorous studies whose integrity and findings have been tested, proved, accepted, implemented, and disseminated by diverse clients. Review our project archive for relevant case studies or contact DIR for examples of our presentations and published reports of findings.
We are known for working with our clients to identify the most appropriate design, data-collection methods, and analyses for their research and evaluation needs. We are thoroughly experienced in random assignment, regression discontinuity, matched comparisons, and other quasi-experimental designs.
For our assessments of organizations and programs, we obtain valid information about their performance and the factors that affect it. We solicit consents, make site visits, pay close attention to sample composition, and achieve high response rates when we conduct multiphase surveys for diversity studies of programs effectiveness.
DIR evaluates pilot programs and demonstration projects. We illustrate the planned program’s theory of change through logic models; document the actual implementation through formative evaluations; and assess implementation outcomes through summative evaluations.
We have conducted a range of quantitative data analyses—from descriptive statistics to more sophisticated analyses like regression and hierarchical modeling. We perform ongoing review, validation, and calibration of outcome measures and use data to assess program results.
We collect and analyze qualitative data from in-depth interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
DIR prepares and submits high-quality and on-time reports that provide clear summaries of study findings and results, the methods used, and assumptions and limitations. We stay in close touch with our clients to ensure that we address their needs.