What Isn’t There Matters: Attrition and Randomized Controlled Trials

 

Methods and Standards

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) offers a highly credible way to evaluate the effect of a program. But a strong design can be offset by weaknesses in planning or execution. One common problem that weakens the conclusions of RCTs is attrition, or missing data. This brief describes what attrition is, why it matters, and how it factors into the study ratings in the HomVEE review. Note: This publication displays the attrition boundary from the HomVEE Version 1 Handbook. Please consult the latest handbook for the current HomVEE attrition boundary.

Released
August 2014
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