Third, settlements statistics do not take into account the quality of the various cases. Fourth, an important effect of mediation is that it may help the parties to develop better conflict resolution and prevention skills. This educational process is not taken into account by settlement statistics. Fifth, settlement statistics do not address the quality of the resolution. Finally, even if reaching a settlement is taken to be the primary goal of mediation, the costs of mediation versus other methods of reaching settlement must be considered.
Sander suggests taking a more multi-faceted approach to evaluating mediation.