Skip to main content

STatistics for Evidence-Based Policy and Practice

We develop and assess methods for generating, synthesizing, and translating evidence to improve policy and practice.

The STEPP Center was founded in 2019 to facilitate collaboration between statisticians, researchers, policymakers and practitioners using evidence to guide decisions, with a focus on education and the applied social sciences.

The STatistics for Evidence-Based Policy and Practice (STEPP) is based at the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University and evolved from the IPR’s Q-Center. This expansion was made possible by the 2018 Yidan Prize for Education Research awarded to Larry Hedges.

A Bigger Vision

We believe in a scientific approach to transform the social world and a practice-driven approach to advance science. Our goal is to improve lives through methodological innovation in research.

Operating Principles

Research Areas

Statistical methods propel the quality of results provided in evaluations, as well as the questions posed and the relevance of science to practice. Our center seeks to serve the practitioner and policymaker communities through the development and promotion of state of the art methods for researchers.

genius icon

Generating Evidence

Generating strong evidence regarding innovations and practices through randomized trials and other strong research designs.

Does a program or intervention result in improved outcomes?

Visit the Generating Research Area
globe icon

Synthesizing Evidence

Synthesizing and interpreting the results of multiple studies.

How do we make sense of competing results from multiple sources about an intervention of policy?

Visit the Synthesizing Research Area
speech bubble icon

Translating Evidence

Translating findings into meaningful and useful mechanisms to inform the evolution of policy and practice.

What is the best approach to convey evidence to a diverse audience of consumers?

Visit the Translating Research Area

Education & Training

We provide tutorial papers, online tools, seminars and short courses that train students and practitioners, and professional development institutes for established researchers.

instructor pointing to a laptop screen. There is a student sitting to his right.

Resources

We provide tutorial papers, online tools, seminars and short courses that train students and practitioners, and professional development institutes for established researchers.

View All Resources

Events & News

Check out upcoming events at the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) and stay up to date with the STEPP Center's news and announcements.

IPR Events

Feb
26
2024

IPR Colloq.: N. Contractor (Comm./Kellogg/McCormick/IPR) - People Analytics: Using Digital Exhaust to Leverage Network Insights in the Algorithmically Infused Workplace

12:00 PM Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St
"People Analytics: Using Digital Exhaust to Leverage Network Insights in the Algorithmically Infused Workplace" by Noshi...
Mar
4
2024

IPR Colloq.: M. McGrath (IPR/Political Science) - Structured Discussion Across the Climate Divide: NU Friends & Family Climate Change Program

12:00 PM Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St
"Structured Discussion Across the Climate Divide: NU Friends & Family Climate Change Program" by Mary McGrath, Assistant...
Mar
27
2024

Lecture: Alondra Nelson, scholar and former White House official, 3/27

4:00 PM McCormick Foundation Center, 1870 Campus Drive
Northwestern’s Institute for Policy Research and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communicat...

STEPP Center News & Announcements

Beth Tipton Elected SREE President

February 22, 2024

Elizabeth Tipton has been elected President of the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness. Professor Tipton will be President-Elect in 2024, then President in 2025.

Hedges Receives International Education Award

November 3, 2023

Larry Hedgesreceived the José Vasconcelos World Award of Education at the University of Helsinki. You can watch the ceremony here , and a short video about Larry’s career and achievements here.