Search our database of 1,200+ summaries of randomized evaluations conducted by our affiliates in 97 countries. To browse key policy recommendations from a subset of these evaluations, visit the Policy Publications tab above.

Displaying 9-16 of 252
Girls receiving SMS messages about precautionary health measures.

The Impact of Peer Messaging to Combat the Spread of Covid-19 in Zambia

Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation in Zambia to test the impact of a peer-based information campaign, consisting of SMS messages and small cash incentives, on people’s adherence to Covid-19 health protocols. Participants forwarded public health SMSs when they were encouraged to do so, yet...
Informal Settlement in Kenya

Positive Psychology for Psychological Well-Being and Decision-Making in Kenya

Victoria Baranov
Johannes Haushofer
Chaning Jang
In Kenya, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of a light-touch positive psychology intervention on psychological well-being and economic decision-making for low-income populations. The intervention had a positive impact on gratitude; however, it had no significant...
Steps to purifying water with chlorine

Messaging Strategies to Promote Safe Water and Hygiene in Bangladesh

Raymond Guiteras
Kaniz Jannat
David Levine
Thomas Polley
Leanne Unicomb
Researchers tested whether sharing messages that appealed to negative emotions, like shame or disgust, increased households’ hand-washing behavior and willingness to pay for water chlorination in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Negative messaging had no impact on chlorination levels or willingness to pay, but...
Photo of a patient undergoing a scan

Clinical Decision Support for Outpatient High-Cost Radiology Ordering in the United States

Bruce Darrow
Joseph Doyle
Laura Feeney
Amy Finkelstein
Joseph Kannry
Madhu Mazumdar
David Mendelson
Jesse Shapiro
Researchers are studying the impact of a clinical decision support system on the ordering of high-cost scans.
J-PAL logo

The Impact of Community Policing on Citizens' Response to COVID-19

Robert Blair
Travis Curtice
David Dow
Guy Grossman
Researchers are conducting phone surveys to understand the effects of a community policing intervention on citizens' trust in the state and how that affects their willingness to comply with COVID-19 related measures in Uganda.
A Community Health Worker addresses a group of people in Kenya.

The Impact of Meritocratic Promotions and Pay Progression on Health Care Workers' Productivity in Sierra Leone

Erika Deserranno
Philipp Kastrau
Researchers tested the impact of a meritocratic promotion system and beliefs about pay progression on the productivity of Community Health Workers in Sierra Leone. A combination of meritocracy and the promise of a steep salary increase after promotion led workers to make more health care visits...
A Community Health Worker teaches nutrition to members of local households

Advertising Higher Earnings during Recruitment Processes for Community Service Providers in Uganda

Erika Deserranno
Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of expected earnings on candidates’ perception of a community health worker position in Uganda, and on the resulting size and composition of the applicant pool. Fewer socially motivated participants applied when advertised wages were...
Nurses catering to a child

Digital Monitoring and Health Service Provision in Sierra Leone

Erika Deserranno
Andrea Guariso
Gianmarco Leon
In many countries, rural populations access social services through decentralized systems that hire community-based workers with high monitoring needs, leaving little time for supervisors to perform other essential functions. Researchers are evaluating the impact of a phone-based e-monitoring app...