What does a cost-benefit analysis evaluate?

A cost-benefit analysis evaluates the costs and benefits of an intervention's effectiveness by comparing the monetary and non-monetary costs associated with the intervention to the outcomes it produces. In the context of music therapy, this involves examining how much resources (time, money, materials) are invested in a particular therapeutic intervention and weighing those against the benefits attained, such as improvements in clients' emotional well-being, social skills, or physical health. This evaluation process is crucial for determining whether the benefits justify the costs and helps inform decision-making regarding resource allocation in therapeutic settings.

While duration of an intervention, the age of participants, and the number of variables in an experiment may be relevant factors in research or therapy, they do not encompass the holistic evaluation that a cost-benefit analysis aims to achieve. Such analyses specifically focus on understanding the economic implications and efficacy of interventions, guiding practitioners and stakeholders in making informed choices about adopting or continuing specific therapeutic approaches.