Cost-Effectiveness: A Primer

Abstract

The purpose of this primer is to provide a partial resolution for this dilemma for both evaluators and educational administrators through a systematic introduction to the use of cost analysis in educational evaluation. Accordingly, the primer has been written with the intention of familiarizing this audience with the nature and use of cost-analytic tools, as well as showing them how to plan and implement a study in this domain. Cost analysis in educational evaluation refers to the use of a broad set of techniques for evaluation and decision making, including cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility, and cost-feasibility. Each type of analysis will be developed separately for consideration, but I will refer to the group of cost techniques taken together as cost analysis in evaluation. The audience that the work addresses is not limited only to educational evaluators and administrators, but the primary applications are confined to subjects of interest to this group. It is believed that readers from other areas will easily be able to generalize and apply the techniques and concepts to needs in their domain.