To ensure that the information and guidance included in the I-Guides meet a minimum standard of evidence, all research is categorized into the following four levels:
Compelling Evidence:
The evidence is based on evaluations featured on the MPG. Recommendations and information are based on evidence from program evaluations reviewed and rated for the MPG (programs rated either “effective,” “promising,” or “no effects”).
Reasonable Evidence:
Evidence based on evaluations not featured on the MPG. Recommendations and information are based on program evaluations that meet the minimum standards to be reviewed for the MPG.1 However, the program evaluations either
- were reviewed but rejected from the MPG (studies rated “insufficient evidence”) or
- have not been through the full review process yet.
Minimum Related Evidence:
The evidence is based on research related to topics on the MPG. Recommendations and information are based on research that does not meet the minimum standards to be reviewed for the MPG. This research includes case studies, non-evaluative government reports, process evaluations, systematic reviews, and correlational research. And, the research is related to topic areas included on the MPG (e.g., delinquency prevention, children exposed to violence, schools) and comes from credible sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journals, research organizations, universities, and government agencies).
Minimum Evidence:
The evidence is based on research not related to topics on the MPG. Recommendations and information are based on research that does not meet the minimum standards to be reviewed for the MPG. This research includes case studies, non-evaluative government reports, process evaluations, systematic reviews, and correlational research. But, the research is related to topic areas not included on the MPG. Nevertheless, it comes from credible sources (e.g., peer-reviewed journals, research organizations, universities, and government agencies).