Running Randomized Evaluations : A Practical Guide

A comprehensive guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs in developing countriesThis book provides a comprehensive yet accessible guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs. Drawing on the experience of researchers at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, which has run hundreds of such evaluations in dozens of countries throughout the world, it offers practical insights on how to use this powerful technique, especially in resource-poor environments.This step-by-step guide explains why and when randomized evaluations are useful, in what situations they should be used, and how to prioritize different evaluation opportunities. It shows how to design and analyze studies that answer important questions while respecting the constraints of those working on and benefiting from the program being evaluated. The book gives concrete tips on issues such as improving the quality of a study despite tight budget constraints, and demonstrates how the results of randomized impact evaluations can inform policy.With its self-contained modules, this one-of-a-kind guide is easy to navigate. It also includes invaluable references and a checklist of the common pitfalls to avoid.Provides the most up-to-date guide to running randomized evaluations of social programs, especially in developing countriesOffers practical tips on how to complete high-quality studies in even the most challenging environmentsSelf-contained modules allow for easy reference and flexible teaching and learningComprehensive yet nontechnical This Book Provides A Comprehensive Yet Accessible Guide To Running Randomized Impact Evaluations Of Social Programs. Drawing On The Experience Of Researchers At The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, Which Has Run Hundreds Of Such Evaluations In Dozens Of Countries Throughout The World, It Offers Practical Insights On How To Use This Powerful Technique, Especially In Resource-poor Environments. This Step-by-step Guide Explains Why And When Randomized Evaluations Are Useful, In What Situations They Should Be Used, And How To Prioritize Different Evaluation Opportunities. It Shows How To Design And Analyze Studies That Answer Important Questions While Respecting The Constraints Of Those Working On And Benefiting From The Program Being Evaluated. The Book Gives Concrete Tips On Issues Such As Improving The Quality Of A Study Despite Tight Budget Constraints, And Demonstrates How The Results Of Randomized Impact Evaluations Can Inform Policy. With Its Self-contained Modules, This One-of-a-kind Guide Is Easy To Navigate. It Also Includes Invaluable References And A Checklist Of The Common Pitfalls To Avoid. It Provides The Most Up-to-date Guide To Running Randomized Evaluations Of Social Programs, Especially In Developing Countries. It Offers Practical Tips On How To Complete High-quality Studies In Even The Most Challenging Environments. It Includes Self-contained Modules That Allow For Easy Reference And Flexible Teaching And Learning. It Covers Comprehensive Yet Nontechnical--provided By Publisher. The Experimental Approach -- Foundations : Why Experiment? -- Asking The Right Questions -- Randomizing -- Outcomes And Instruments -- Power -- Threats -- Analysis -- Policy Lessons -- Appendix 1 -- Appendix 2 -- Index. Rachel Glennerster And Kudzai Takavarasha. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 CONTENTS......Page 6 Preface......Page 8 Abbreviations and Acronyms......Page 10 1 The Experimental Approach......Page 14 2 Why Randomize?......Page 37 3 Asking the Right Questions......Page 79 4 Randomizing......Page 111 5 Outcomes and Instruments......Page 193 6 Statistical Power......Page 254 7 Threats......Page 311 8 Analysis......Page 337 9 Drawing Policy Lessons......Page 399 Appendix......Page 434 Glossary......Page 456 Index......Page 466 Provides a guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs. This book explains why and when randomized evaluations are useful, in what situations they should be used, and how to prioritize different evaluation opportunities.