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Edvance Research is rapidly becoming nationally known as a provider of services spanning the spectrum of education and policy related rigorous research. We offer a unique approach through the application of a business model to our rigorous research, which is a process driven model designed to optimize study execution and implementation. This model sets us apart from institutions that have historically conducted randomized control trial studies such as universities. All of our rigorous research is driven by the review standards of, for example, the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) and the Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy. It is our goal that all of our studies match these standards and our clients have the benefit of knowing that the research we conduct will be judged as meeting the highest standards of rigor.
Edvance Research conducts research using a robust set of methodologies and processes, which we make available to clients either separately or as a whole. These are described below.
Research Study Initiation and Planning: Defining the Research More
Edvance Research has staff with years of extensive experience in the research industry working with clients to conceptualize and formulate research study ideas and to create study abstracts. Primary study components include study rationale, key research questions, identification of data sources and target populations, formulation of study schedules, and planning final research products to be produced. We also provide assistance in preparing research study budgets for clients and in completing required regulatory documentation such as Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval forms and Internal Review Board (IRB) documentation. Our research study initiation and planning services available to clients include:
• Developing initial study ideas
• Creating study abstracts
• Formulating hypotheses
• Planning study project management activities
• Formulating initial drafts of product and dissemination plans
Study Concept Validation: The Feasibility of the Research More
Quality research involves a strong design with well-defined questions ensuring appropriate and valid data generation. It is critical that the researcher have a thorough understanding of what is to be researched and that the intent of the research is well conceptualized and valid. Conducting a critical examination of existing evidence-based research is often necessary to reveal the current degree of knowledge existing about the study topic, as well as the quality of that research. The literature review, which may vary depending on the type of research to be conducted (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed method), will assist in further determining the feasibility of conducting the study. Edvance Research provides study concept validation services to ensure that a study is well-conceptualized and is feasible. Concept validation services provided by Edvance Research include:
• Market review and validation
• Research study proposal review
• Research grant submission review
• Study design review
• Literature reviews modeled on WWC protocols
• Research proposals
Research Design Services: Success through Detailed Planning More
To ensure quality and success, the execution of rigorous research studies requires a detailed research plan prior to implementation. Edvance Research’s expert staff of research professionals develops study blueprints, which include technical aspects such as key research questions, study design and power analysis, data collection procedures, and statistical analysis plans. Edvance Research offers a full range of research design services including:
• Creating study blueprints
• Developing study protocols
• Conducting study power analyses
• Designing study survey instruments
• Formulating sampling and data collection plans and procedures
Site Recruitment: Engaging Study Participants More
Recruiting study participants can be challenging and, if not executed well, can hinder the research process and lead to unplanned costs and delayed schedules. The recruiting specialists at Edvance Research understand the complexities, challenges, and obstacles associated with recruiting study participants. Our clients benefit from our proven expertise and experience in recruiting for local, regional, and national studies. Edvance Research has established an extensive network of relationships with key personnel throughout the nation, which optimizes recruiting efforts for our clients. By using our recruiting services, clients are able to manage costs, maintain study schedules, and execute the research plan as designed. Edvance Research site recruitment services include:
• Developing recruitment materials
• Providing onsite study coordinators
• Identifying sites for alignment with research goals
• Qualifying sites to ensure study compliance
• Negotiating site participation (e.g., memorandums of understanding, consent forms)
Site Management: Minimizing Study Risks More
Site management is an essential component to successful research. Experienced Edvance Research Project Coordinators serve as onsite liaisons to ensure collaborative relationships with site personnel and research staff. This service minimizes site attrition and maximizes site adherence to the research protocol. Edvance Research site management services include:
• Randomization scheduling
• Site training
• Site monitoring and observation
• Site support services
• Site activity scheduling
Data Management: Quality Control More
The data management team at Edvance Research includes researchers, statisticians, programmers, and database administrators who coordinate data collection, data entry, and implementation of data security measures. Data management is integral to every research study and our data management team is involved throughout the life cycle of the study to ensure data accuracy and integrity. Our data management team provides an array of services including:
• Database design and development
• Data entry, validation and clean-up
• Developing codebooks
• Data transfer
• Data quality management procedures
Data Analysis: Interpreting Results More
Edvance Research utilizes the most suitable data analysis methods to appropriately answer research questions. Our statisticians are experienced in advanced quantitative methods including Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM), Item Response Theory (IRT), Growth Value-Added Modeling, Biostatistical techniques, Psychometrics, Monte Carlo simulation methods and Regression Discontinuity Analyses. In addition, our research staff is well-versed in qualitative data analysis such as identifying recurring themes, cross-case analysis and coding of narrative data. Edvance Research offers a range of data analysis services including:
• Expert interpretation and synthesis
• Statistical analysis plans
• Production of tables, figures and charts
• Evaluation studies
Research Product Development: Targeted Messages More
Critical components of successful research are products that clearly and effectively express and communicate research results and conclusions. The Edvance Research marketing team has extensive experience in all aspects of research product development including product conception, design and production. Our staff is adept at designing a wide variety of research products that best fit the target audience. Samples of product types Edvance Research can develop include:
• Technical Reports
• Briefs
• White papers
• Announcements and bulletins
• Guides
• Journal articles
• Web casts
• Presentations
Marketing and Dissemination: Getting Research into the Hands of Users More
Underlying the high quality of Edvance Research’s research products is the understanding of how individuals and organizations access and use new knowledge and information. The strategic planning of marketing and dissemination is critical to best reach target audiences in ways that most effectively communicate intended messages. Edvance Research provides marketing and dissemination services ranging from planning to product distribution. A custom plan is developed for each research study to optimize the marketing mix. Specifically, our services include:
• Direct marketing
• eMarketing
• Public relations
• Events
• Promotion
Technical Oversight: Expert Advice More
As a part of what we do to ensure quality, Edvance Research routinely convenes nationally known and respected researchers to be a sounding board for our research and to further validate that the research is relevant and utilizes the most current technical thinking. We have relationships with researchers from top-tier universities and research organizations and many of our current technical advisors serve on various national reading and mathematics panels. These highly-qualified researchers bring both technical and content area expertise and are part of an extensive and powerful network enabling Edvance Research to bring independent thought and high-level, peer review-type judgment to our research. By having this level of review, we are able to better identify methodological efficiencies and cost saving strategies and techniques.
Through our access to these nationally recognized research individuals, Edvance Research can recruit and manage technical advisory committees that are most conducive to the research being conducted. Technical oversight services Edvance Research provides to clients include:
• Participation in advisory panels
• Data analysis reviews
• Statistical reviews
• Study results and report corroboration
• Independent evaluations
• Technical consulting
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