One-Three-Twenty Five (1:3:25) Principle

Synonyms:
One-three-twenty-five, 1:3:25
rolled blueprints

The 1:3:25 Principle is an evaluation report format with a one page outline of the main messages, a three page executive summary, and 25 pages that present the evaluation findings and methodology.

The 1:3:25 option was developed by the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF) in order to ensure that research findings were presented in a logical and consistent manner.

1:3:25 format can be used to provide a consistent structure for final reports of any kind in a language that is clear and accessible to the non-research specialist.

The main messages contained in the first page should not be a summary of the findings but rather the key points that decision makers can take from the research.

The three-page executive summary presents the findings succinctly in order to facilitate easy access for those who may not have time to read the full report. This should not include any discussion of research methodology other than to outline the actual methods used.

Finally, the 25-page report is used to cover the background to the research, the questions addressed, and an outline of the methodology, the findings and conclusions.

Advice for choosing this method

  • Provide guidance to evaluators on reporting in the 1:3:25 format at the start of the evaluation process. This will help to clarify reporting expectations.

Advice for using this method

  • Follow the guidance on how to develop the report. Most important is the one-page of recommendations at the beginning of the report. The 25 page report provides the evidence for these recommendations, but the short 1-page overview allows the decision maker to quickly grasp the key actions to take from your work.
  • If the evaluator is using this format for the first time, work with the evaluator to review drafts of the report to ensure that the paper is being written for decision makers and implementers, rather than academics.

Resource

Davies, P. (2012). The state of evidence-based policy evaluation and its role in policy formation. National Institute Economic Review, (219), R 41 - R 52. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/002795011221900105

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