What type of program is labeled as having been researched and found effective?

The designation of a program as evidence-based indicates that it has undergone rigorous research and evaluation, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. Evidence-based programs are backed by data and scientific analysis, providing stakeholders with confidence that the strategies and interventions employed are likely to work based on past studies and results.

These programs typically involve well-defined methodologies and have been tested in various settings to establish their reliability and impact. Researchers assess outcomes, benefits, and potential drawbacks to ensure that the program is effective in addressing specific issues or populations.

In contrast, options such as universal, promising, and excellent do not necessarily imply that a program has undergone the same level of scrutiny. Universal programs are designed to target entire populations without regard to individual risk, promising programs show potential effectiveness but may not have been extensively validated, and excellent is a subjective term that lacks a standardized measure of effectiveness. Thus, the label of evidence-based ascribes a stronger validation to the program, making it the correct choice in this context.