The authors contend that quasiexperimental evaluations are inadequate and instead propose scientific realist evaluations to accomplish the following objectives: (1) determine whether the problem addressed in evaluation research diminished or disappeared during the currency of the policy, project, or practice; (2) determine whether the policy, project, or practice led to changes in the scale of the problem; (3) explore aspects of the problem that made it responsive to the policy, project, or practice; (4) identify how the policy, project, or practice produced outcomes; and (5) assess the generalizability of findings for future policies, projects, and practices. In examining evaluation research in the field of criminal justice, the authors attempt to inject some strategic thinking into the process. They discuss methodological shortcomings of quasiexperimental evaluations and benefits of scientific realist evaluations. 16 references and 3 figures