Semi-parametric regression as a tool for assessing moderation: an analysis of the Fast Track intervention
Tóm tắt
When assessing the impact of a family or youth intervention, program evaluators often consider whether and how baseline characteristics moderate the effect of treatment. Parametric and non-parametric approaches are both possible, but each has limitations. In this article, we argue for and illustrate the use of semi-parametric methods. A hybrid of parametric and non-parametric approaches, semi-parametric modeling techniques combine the strengths of each approach. This article demonstrates how this approach can be used to evaluate whether an intervention effect was larger for those with most serious problems at baseline. Using data from the Fast Track project—a comprehensive intervention designed to prevent serious conduct problems among children at high risk—we investigated the moderating effect of two key baseline characteristics: parent-reported and teacher-reported problem behavior. Our analyses do not demonstrate a significant moderation of the intervention effect.
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