Chapter 8: Using Randomized Control Field Trials in Service-Learning Research

The use of randomized control field trials (RCFTs) in service-learning research would provide the kind of strong-inference research that is needed in the field of service-learning. RCFTs are experiments conducted in the field and thus provide a good measure of internal and external validity. Despite their inherent strengths, RCFTs are rarely used in service-learning research. We describe the challenges associated with conducting RCFTs, as well as strategies that can be used to overcome those challenges. A moderation–mediation conceptual model of service-learning is presented, as well as the design of a RCFT planned to evaluate the model. The authors suggest that service-learning research can be appreciably enhanced by creating theoretical models of service-learning and evaluating them using rigorous methods.