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.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] or fill out this form with questions or feedback.
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.
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...
Randomization
Randomization for causal inference has a storied history. Controlled randomized experiments were invented by Charles Sanders Peirce and Joseph Jastrow in 1884. Jerzy Neyman introduced stratified...
Implementing qualitative methods in the field
This resource provides an overview of commonly used qualitative tools and details how to integrate them into an RCT. It also covers key considerations when hiring and training qualitative field staff...
Integrating qualitative methods into randomized evaluations
From ideation and early research design to uncovering causal mechanisms or details about unexpected outcomes, careful qualitative work can be an important complement to the quantitative portion of an...
The elements of a randomized evaluation
This resource presents a high-level overview of the steps of a randomized evaluation, while showcasing a selection of our teaching and learning tools that were created as part of our online and in...
Introduction to randomized evaluations
This resource gives an overview and non-technical introduction to randomized evaluations. Randomized evaluations can be used to measure impact in policy research: to date, J-PAL affiliated researchers...
Teaching resources on randomized evaluations
Since 2005, J-PAL has offered its Evaluating Social Programs course in a number of different locations worldwide. This week-long course provides a thorough understanding of randomized evaluations and...