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[upbeat jazz music plays. . .]

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Welcome to Part 1 of “Using CLEAR to inform decision making.”

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This video is the first in a two-part video series.

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Part 1 provides an overview of what CLEAR is and the different resources it offers.

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Part 2 presents two use case examples

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of how CLEAR can be used to help make informed, evidence-based decisions.

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The Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research, or CLEAR,

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is a centralized source of research and information on labor-related topics,

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designed to make labor research more accessible

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to audiences both inside and outside of the Department of Labor.

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CLEAR makes labor research more accessible through its searchable database,

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individual study summary profiles, and evidence synthesis reports.

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Research and evaluations on labor programs and policies

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can help practitioners and policy makers make better decisions.

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But there are many studies, published in different sources, and they vary in quality.

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These barriers can make it difficult to find research when it’s needed,

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differentiate between studies,

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and quickly understand and apply findings in different practical settings.

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With over 1,300 studies— and counting— CLEAR is a central source of research

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and information on a wide range of labor topics.

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By conducting independent evidence reviews, CLEAR identifies, reviews,

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and summarizes many types of research;

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but prioritizes causal impact studies that help us find answers to ‘what works?’ questions.

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CLEAR’s goal is to make credible labor-related research more accessible

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by highlighting key findings,

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and providing information about where and how the interventions were tested.

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CLEAR summarizes labor research in several ways.

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CLEAR’s profiles make studies accessible

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by providing information about each study’s purpose, context, and findings.

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Profiles are short summaries that you can use to help understand what the evidence says

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so you can decide whether it’s relevant for your needs.

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If you want to learn more, study profiles also link back to the original reports or papers.

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Synthesis reports provide a short, high-level overview

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of the evidence base in a given topic area.

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Synthesis reports generally include key takeaways, an overview of findings,

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and gaps where additional research is needed.

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CLEAR’s searchable database contains all study profiles

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and syntheses housed on the website.

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You can use the database to search for studies, and refine your search by keywords,

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outcomes or populations of interest, evidence rating, and more.

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CLEAR can also help you develop higher quality studies

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by examining or following the standards

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CLEAR’s independent contractors use when reviewing studies.

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These standards include guidelines for reviews of different study types,

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descriptions of the criteria used to determine a study’s strength of causal evidence,

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and summaries of review procedures.

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They also describe how CLEAR selects research topics, identifies studies,

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and conducts other operations.

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These reference documents are publicly available

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and help ensure CLEAR’s evidence reviews are independent, rigorous, and transparent.

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This concludes the brief introduction to CLEAR,

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This concludes the brief introduction to CLEAR, Part 1 of “Using CLEAR to inform decision making.”

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We hope you found it useful and informative!

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Part 2 of this video series

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shows how CLEAR can be used to help make informed, evidence-based decisions.

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To view Part 2, visit the Resources page of the CLEAR website.