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    FINDING & USING EVIDENCE

    Evidence-based policymaking refers to the use of research to guide policy and funding decisions. Such policymaking can take many forms, but it often involves using research findings regarding the effectiveness of previously implemented policies or programs to inform management, policy, and budget decisions. Referencing research that uses rigorous methods increases confidence in the findings and applicability to real-world decisions. For definitions of “evidence,” click here.

    Finding Quality Evidence

    While there are many forms of quality research, the Results Team seeks to identify studies that can show the intervention caused the impact on participants. This is typically achieved through treatment and control style research. Below we have resources that will help with finding quality evidence.

    Minnesota Inventory

    The Results Team has inventoried hundreds of publicly-funded programs and services offered across Minnesota. Information on these programs and their evidence basis is available in the Minnesota Inventory.

    Evidence-based Clearinghouses

    The list below shows reputable and commonly used evidence-based clearinghouses. A check mark indicates that the clearinghouse contains at least some evidence on the corresponding topic area in the top row. To search all the clearinghouses shown below at one time, visit this page. We recommend using parentheses if you are looking for a specific program or service.

    Aging and Adult Services

    Child Welfare

    Child & Family Wellbeing

    Criminal Justice

    Employment, Job Training and Workforce

    Environment

    Health Care

    Higher Education

    Mental Health

    Other Social Policies and Programs

    PreK-12 Education

    Public Health

    Services for People with Disabilities

    Substance Abuse

    Tax Expenditures


    What if there are no qualifying evaluations for my program or service?

    Many programs and services that are offered across the state do not yet have evidence of effectiveness. This means we do not have causal evidence to show that these programs achieve their intended outcomes. An impact evaluation can help you understand more about how the services you offer impact the people you serve. 

    You can visit the Impact Evaluation Unit page to learn more about the process of developing these evaluations.

    State agencies!

    The following website has information for completing a state agency evidence-based proposal form: mn.gov/mmb/results-first/finding-using-evidence/resources

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