As
long as research
data is obtained through hypotheses posed in testable terms and nested in a body of established theory; as
long as the
data collection and analytical methods permit direct investigation of the question; and as
long as the study results are open to replication and professional scrutiny, we will have a professional body of research on which to base reform
efforts.
Screening of consecutive cases was conducted for two to six months at each participating treatment agency, with the time frame being dependent on the agency's view as to how
long they could sustain the extra
effort involved in this
data collection task.