Our library of practical resources is intended for researchers and research staff undertaking randomized evaluations, as well as those teaching the technique to others, and anyone interested in how randomized evaluations are conducted.
Incorporating lessons learned through our own experience and through guidance from researchers and research organizations, we provide practical advice for designing, implementing, and communicating about evaluations. These resources are a collaborative effort. We credit the authors of all the resources we post here, and link to their original work wherever possible.
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Introduction to Randomized Evaluations
Resources
A non-technical overview and step-by-step introduction for those who are new to randomized evaluations, as well as case studies and other teaching resources.
Before Starting a Project
Resources
Tips on successful field management and implementation partnerships for researchers who are new to fieldwork.
Project Planning
Resources
Highlights include: annotated checklist for designing an informed consent process, detailed advice on grant proposals and budgeting, and suggestions for proactive measures to help ensure ethical principles are followed in research design and implementation.
Research Design
Resources
Data Collection and Access
Resources
This section contains guidance specific to working with surveyors or survey companies, information about administrative data collection, and information applicable to all modes of data collection, such as on data security, data quality, and grant management.
Processing and Analysis
Resources
All the steps in a research project after the data was collected or assembled, from data cleaning to communicating results.
Using administrative data for randomized evaluations
Administrative data is information collected, used, and stored primarily for administrative (i.e., operational), rather than research, purposes. These data can be an excellent source of information...
Increasing response rates of mail surveys and mailings
Drawing on evidence and examples from literature on mail experiments and mail surveys, this resource suggests strategies for increasing responses to mail surveys and mailings targeted at a fixed pool...
Implementation monitoring
Researchers should monitor the implementation of a program to preserve its integrity of the program and collect additional information that can inform the generalizability of the results of the...
Repository of measurement and survey design resources
This is a list of resources on measurement and survey design relating to various topics. Topics are organized alphabetically for ease of navigation using the sidebar. We rely on crowd-sourced material...
Conducting cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA)
This resource is intended for researchers who are interested in collecting cost data and conducting comparative cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) for their evaluation. It provides an overview of CEA...
Resources for conducting remote surveys
As with in-person surveys, remote survey work involves considerations at every stage of the project lifecycle. This page summarizes key points regarding remote surveys and, where applicable, lists J...
Communicating with a partner about results
Randomized evaluations require collaboration and communication between many stakeholders, including academic researchers, research staff, implementing partners, holders of administrative data...
Formalize research partnership and establish roles and expectations
This resource outlines steps to establish and build a strong working relationship with an implementing partner at the beginning of a randomized evaluation. Topics include questions to consider when...