Lecture Notes

Module 1.1

Evaluation start to finish: Impact of microcredit

Module 2.1

Measuring causal impact

Module 2.2

Advantages and limitations of non- and quasi-experimental methods

Module 2.3

What is randomization and how does it solve the causality problem?

Module 2.4

Benefits and limits of randomization

Module 3.1

Asking the right questions

Module 3.3

Prioritizing among impact questions

Module 4.1

Randomizing

Module 4.2

Choosing the level of randomization

Module 4.3

Ethics of randomized evaluation

Slides

Rachel Glennerster and Shawn Powers's chapter from the The Oxford Handbook on Professional Economic Ethics

"The random risks of randomized trials" by Tim Hartford, from The Financial Times

Module 5.4

Useful blog links

Thinking of doing a list experiment? In Module 5.4 we mention list experiments as one way to ask questions about sensitive issues. This blog by Andrew Gelman discusses some of the downsides.

Module 8.3

Pre-analysis plans

Running Randomized Evaluations: A Practical Guide

This book provides a comprehensive yet accessible guide to running randomized impact evaluations of social programs. Drawing on the experience of researchers at the J-PAL, 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.