Abstract:
This case is designed to foster discussion concerning a question public managers often face: How should one make decisions when available studies and data appear contradictory? A 1984 General Accounting Office (GAO) review found that existing studies came to conflicting conclusions about the efficacy of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Learning Objective:
The case summarizes the WIC program, provides details of the six studies the GAO examined, and puts students in the role of a congressional staffer forced to evaluate the GAO review. Points generally covered in class include the merits of different kinds of study designs, statistical power, and the relative credibility of different sorts of statistical evidence.
Other Details
- Case Author:
- David Kennedy
- Faculty Lead:
- Richard Light
- Pages (incl. exhibits):
- 2
- Setting:
- United States
- Language:
- English