About Research and Evaluation
The Research and Evaluation (R&E) Team conducts innovative research, evaluation, and reporting to drive evidence-based practices, impactful programming, and public policy discussion. This team has broad expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies and employs these strategies to collaborate with stakeholders nationwide along all points on the research and evaluation continuum. Whether by evaluating program outcomes, conducting needs assessments, performing rigorous data collection and analysis, or translating data into actionable insights, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that programs, policies, and initiatives are evidence-based, effective, equitable, and aligned with organizational, state, and national goals. R&E evaluates all CEPD programs and manages grants and contracts to lead research projects with partners, including other Temple departments, community-based organizations, and state and federal government agencies.
Signature Services
- Research and evaluation project planning and execution: This team works with CEPD staff and clients to design and conduct: needs assessments to systematically identify gaps in organizational operations; impact evaluations of new and existing programs and interventions implementation/process evaluation of new and existing programs and interventions, including assessment of fidelity of implementation to standards and guidelines; development of program logic models and theories of change; and background research/literature reviews.
- Data collection: R&E deploys qualitative and quantitative data collection strategies, including survey development, distribution, and data management, one-on-one interviews, focus groups, observation, field work, and document/artifact review.
- Data analysis: R&E analyzes qualitative data (e.g., interviews, focus groups, documents) using several approaches, including inductive and deductive coding, and narrative and thematic analysis. The team analyzes quantitative (numerical) data primarily using descriptive and inferential statistics.
- Data reporting: The R&E team is skilled at translating complex data and study findings into cohesive, compelling stories and graphics for both specialist and non-technical audiences.
Research and Evaluation Impact in FY2025
11 externally funded research and evaluation projects conducted
Collaborated with 7 external clients
5 conference or public presentations to various nonprofit and justice system professionals
CEPD in Action
Driving Justice System Reform in Pennsylvania
Starting in 2023, CEPD was awarded a contract with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to undertake a comprehensive quantitative analysis of original data related to outcomes within Pennsylvania’s pre-trial processes. This included examining the level and number of charges filed, bail decisions, and charge dismissals to uncover and address racial and ethnic disparities. The team also conducted a statewide survey and in-depth interviews with a diverse array of justice system professionals to gain nuanced insights into pre-trial practices and stakeholder perspectives across the state. The success of this project paved the way for a subsequent initiative employing similar methods to explore practices, outcomes, and potential racial and ethnic disparities within Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system. These findings, enriched by collaboration and input from key stakeholders—including court officials, probation officers, public defenders, district attorneys, law enforcement, community organizations, and individuals with lived justice experience—will shape strategic recommendations aimed at improving the pre-trial system. Moreover, these efforts will update and expand the state’s disparity analysis, offering fresh insights into systemic practices and attitudes across multiple jurisdictions. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach has the potential to drive critical policy reforms to foster fairness and improved justice outcomes within Pennsylvania’s justice system.