Process Analysis

TLDR

Process analysis seeks to identify the mediating process linking a treatment to an outcome by estimating causal chain parameters. The article outlines the rationale and procedures for conducting a process analysis in evaluation research, including methods to assess whether a treatment influences outcomes by altering the mediating process. Two procedures for estimating mediation are discussed, and the study details how to evaluate whether a treatment affects outcomes through changes in the mediating process. The benefits of process analysis in evaluation research are highlighted.

Abstract

This article presents the rationale and procedures for conducting a process analysis in evaluation research. Such an analysis attempts to identify the process that mediates the effects of some treatment, by estimating the parameters of a causal chain between the treatment and some outcome variable. Two different procedures for estimating mediation are discussed. In addition we present procedures for examining whether a treatment exerts its effects, in part, by altering the mediating process that produces the outcome. Finally, the benefits of process analysis in evaluation research are underlined.