Research and evaluation in the United States

The research and evaluation (R&E) team within FHI 360’s United States Programs has decades of experience in designing and conducting studies that have expanded the evidence base on strategies for improving the lives of Americans in lasting ways. We bring methodological expertise and deep content knowledge to R&E studies on health, education, workforce development and social marketing and communication campaigns that address social issues.

Our formative–process–outcome approach to R&E systematically tracks and monitors program implementation, activities, key performance measures and targets, impacts and accrued benefits. Our R&E findings have helped government agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations and corporate social responsibility initiatives gain insight into communities and populations, design effective interventions and measure the impact of policies and programs.

FHI 360 provides a comprehensive set of research and evaluation services, including:

Environmental scans and literature reviews
Audience research
Message and material testing
Survey development and administration
Analysis and reporting
Data management
Study design

EDUCATION

FHI 360 researchers use multidisciplinary approaches to measure impact, evaluate programs and translate research findings into practice. Our research has led to improvements in teacher education and educational leadership; increased access to educational opportunities for underserved populations, including youth with disabilities; and integration of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Key education research focus areas include early childhood, pre-K through 12, education reform in the middle grades, response to intervention, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, students with disabilities, teacher education and professional development, postsecondary access and success, and youth development and engagement.

HEALTH

Our primary focus in health research is reproductive health, HIV prevention, obesity, immunizations, injury prevention and cancer. As these areas are profoundly influenced by psychosocial and behavioral factors, we conduct social science research to investigate the social, cultural, gender and political contexts of behavior. In addition, several themes and areas of expertise in our health research are applicable across many content areas. These areas include: adherence, recruitment and retention, communication, community engagement, ethics and informed consent, gender and relationship dynamics, intervention research, program and product acceptability, social and economic equality, sexual risk taking and research support.

COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MARKETING

Our social marketing and communication research helps our clients design communication solutions that promote behavioral and social change. We use qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand audiences, create powerful messages, track implementation and measure impact. For example, we test and revise messaging to create innovative and effective national communications, conduct usability testing to improve materials and websites, analyze and monitor social media trends and conduct media analyses and surveys to assess the effects of media campaigns. Our research findings enable us to develop and evaluate strategies‚ tactics and creative products that resonate with target audiences and achieve our clients’ objectives.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Our workforce development research focuses on the relationship between education and employment and how they influence each other. Our researchers conduct studies and provide assistance to funders, clients and partners in performance measurement, research and evaluation design, data collections strategies and complex analyses to inform programs. Through these efforts, we help organizations assess needs, build capacity, focus on continuous improvement and collaborate effectively to provide better services. Key workforce development research focus areas include college and career readiness, career and technical education, education and business partnerships, postsecondary education and training, and rural communities.

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Research and evaluation in the United States