RAND Research Topic: Methodology

Quantifying Cost and Schedule Uncertainty for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs)

Jul 17, 2017

To help the Air Force better anticipate cost and schedule challenges and manage programs, this study developed a methodology to evaluate the likelihood of cost growth and schedule slip for major defense acquisition projects (MDAPs).

British Public Reject “No Deal” on Brexit

Jul 14, 2017

The British people disagree with the claim that “no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain” when it comes to negotiations for leaving the EU. They want a deal on Brexit and are willing to compromise to get one.

British Public Rejects “No Deal” on Brexit

Jul 13, 2017

The British people disagree with the claim that “no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain” when it comes to negotiations for leaving the European Union. They want a deal on Brexit and are willing to compromise to get one.

What sort of Brexit do the British people want?

Jul 13, 2017

A proof-of-concept study using stated preference discrete choice experiments to quantify the British people's preferences for their relationship with the European Union after Brexit.

Comparative Scientometric Assessment of the Results of ERC Funded Projects

Jul 12, 2017

The altmetric analysis examined social media visibility and usage in online bibliographic management tools (Mendeley) of ERC-funded papers.

Comparative Scientometric Assessment of the Results of ERC Funded Projects

Jul 7, 2017

The qualitative element of the study took a small sample from the top 1% of highly cited papers and, through an online survey, asked expert peer reviewers to assess each paper's overall contribution to its field. Reviewers were also asked to comment on the characteristics that might have led to the paper becoming highly cited or attracting social media attention. It should be noted that this part of the study did not look at all ERC-funded research, instead considering a small sample of publications (95 reviews of 56 "top" papers). As such the analysis cannot be considered representative of the wider body of ERC-supported work.

Comparative Scientometric Assessment of the Results of ERC Funded Projects

Jul 7, 2017

The patent analysis looked at the inventive activity associated with ERC funding.

Comparative Scientometric Assessment of the Results of ERC Funded Projects

Jul 7, 2017

The bibliometric analysis examined the research productivity and scientific impact of ERC-funded researchers, as well as patterns of collaboration and interdisciplinarity.

Predictions Put Into Practice

Jul 6, 2017

In order to better understand the effects of an individual-focused predictive policing program in the field, this study analyzes a pilot program implemented in Chicago in 2013 aimed at reducing gun violence.

A Framework for Synthetic Control Methods With High-Dimensional, Micro-Level Data

Jun 30, 2017

Our study illustrates the advantages of using high-dimensional, micro-level data in the context of synthetic control methods.

The Short- and Long-Run Effects of Private Law Enforcement

Jun 30, 2017

This paper seeks new evidence on the impact of private police on crime, exploiting a unique setting, the University of Chicago Police Department, that permits a credible examination of the causal effect of police in both the short and long run.

Police Legitimacy and Disrupting Overt Drug Markets

Jun 30, 2017

The study investigates mechanisms thought to support immediate and sustained change after a DMI by analyzing qualitative data collected in community focus groups conducted at three-, six-, and 15-months following a DMI across three different sites.

How Do NIHR Peer Review Panels Use Bibliometric Information to Support Their Decisions?

Jun 27, 2017

This paper examines various aspects of the use of bibliometric information by members of award selection panels, based on interviews with ten panel members from three NIHR panels, alongside analysis of the information provided to those panels.

Enhancing Next-Generation Diplomacy Through Best Practices in Lessons Learned

Jun 21, 2017

To help the Department of State mature its enterprisewide lessons-learned capabilities, this report explores best practices across fields of organizational theory and within both public and private organizations.

Social Media Analysis Could Support Information Operations

Jun 14, 2017

Social media analysis could provide a window into the perspectives and communications of adversaries and other key audiences. If DoD seeks to expand its capability in this area, it must navigate U.S. law, cultural norms, and other issues.

A New Methodology for Conducting Product Support Business Case Analysis (BCA)

Jun 13, 2017

This document explains how to apply guidance on project evaluation to product support business case analyses in a way that allows senior Department of Defense decisionmakers to use net present value to compare courses of action.

Alexander and Elizabeth Kendall: Taking a Stand Against Misinformation

Jun 8, 2017

Alexander and Elizabeth Kendall joined the RAND Policy Circle because they wanted to make a difference, and saw their support of RAND as an investment in the search for facts over factions.

Gaming Solutions to Global Problems

Jun 8, 2017

In this Call with the Experts, RAND senior international research analyst, David Shlapak, talks about how serious games can help find solutions to global problems.

Engaging Patients and Caregivers Managing Rare Diseases to Improve the Methods of Clinical Guideline Development

Jun 2, 2017

A new, online method to engage more patients and caregivers in developing clinical guidelines will be created and then tested, using Duchenne muscular dystrophy as an example.

An Item Response Theory Approach to Estimating Survey Mode Effects

May 31, 2017

Survey respondents assigned to an aural mode (e.g., telephone) more often endorse the first and especially the last item compared with those assigned to a visual mode (mail).