Analyzing attrition in a community-based literacy program

Attrition presents a challenge for research, especially when it affects groups differentially. The present study used the strategy proposed by Cook and Campbell (1979) to investigate attrition in a community-based literacy program. The relationship of attrition to person-centered and program-centere...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evaluation and program planning 1997-11, Vol.20 (4), p.421-431
Main Authors: Sarkin, Andrew J., Tally, Steven R., Cronan, Terry A., Matt, Georg E., Lyons, Heather W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attrition
Attrition (Research Studies)
community
Community Involvement
Community Programs
dropout
Dropouts
Generalization
Intervention
Literacy
Literacy Programs
prevention
Program Effectiveness
Program Evaluation
Project Head Start
reading
Research Methodology
Research Problems
San Diego, California
Statistical Bias
Validity
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Summary:Attrition presents a challenge for research, especially when it affects groups differentially. The present study used the strategy proposed by Cook and Campbell (1979) to investigate attrition in a community-based literacy program. The relationship of attrition to person-centered and program-centered variables, and the interactions between person-centered and program-centered variables were examined in 287 Head Start families. Thus, data from this program were used to illustrate methods for examining attrition and determine its effects. This examination revealed differences among the intervention groups in the pattern of attrition. There were interactions between intervention program-centered characteristics and person-centered characteristics of the participants that could affect the validity of the study and limit the generalizability of the results. Suggestions for dealing with these problems and preventing attrition are discussed.
ISSN:0149-7189
DOI:10.1016/S0149-7189(97)00023-2