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A person logging into Facebook online on their laptop device in the United States

Evaluation

Do Online Advertisements Increase Name Recognition or Favorability of Political Candidates in the United States?

In order to assess the effects of online advertising, researchers evaluated the impact of a high volume of Facebook advertising on name recognition and favorability of political candidates. E xposure to Facebook ads did not increase recognition of a candidate’s name or increase positive assessments of the candidate.

Person

Hunt Allcott

Evaluation

The Impact of Improved Communication on Cal-Grant Take-Up Rates in the United States

Researchers evaluated the impact of simplified award letters and different framing and messaging on students’ decision-making in their college selection process and uptake of financial aid. Researchers found that notification letters containing simplified and behaviorally informed language increased Cal Grant account registration but had no impact on eventual take-up of financial aid. Letters that included individualized net cost calculations as well as psychological nudges were found to slightly increase enrollment at community colleges.

Young dad holding baby in his arms while using cell phone

Evaluation

Weekday vs. Weekend Text-Based Parenting Support in the United States

In Texas, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of text message-based parenting support delivered at different times of the week on young children’s literacy and numeracy development. They found that text messages delivered on weekends were best for supporting children with low levels of literacy.

Evaluation

The Impact of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Health Outcomes in Chelsea, Massachusetts

The City of Chelsea implemented a cash transfer program called Chelsea Eats, which provided eligible households with up to US$400 per month for nine months. Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation on the impact of the unconditional cash transfer on health care utilization and a variety of health outcomes. Those who received the cash transfer had fewer emergency department visits, including those related to behavioral health or substance use, fewer admissions to the hospital from the emergency department, and more outpatient visits to subspecialists than those who did not receive the cash transfer.

Students sit at a table and study for an exam.

Evaluation

Effects of Replicating Charter Schools in Boston, Massachusetts

Researchers studied a policy reform in Boston, Massachusetts, that allowed effective charter schools to replicate their school models at new locations. Results showed that charter schools reproduced their effectiveness at new campuses by following similar sets of standardized protocols, demonstrating the feasibility of charter school replication.

Job

Executive Director, DIL-India

Job

Associate Director, Human Centered Weather Forecasts - DIL-India

Evaluation

The Effect of Randomized School Admissions on Voter Participation in the United States

Understanding the factors that influence voting behavior is a central policy issue. Often voting outcomes directly determine funding of critical public goods such as public education.

Person

Amanda Lee

Person

Jie Bai

Resource

2024 | Improving Lives through Evidence

The 2024-25 edition of “Improving Lives Through Evidence” reflects on how J-PAL’s approach to evidence and policy change has evolved over the years in response to new challenges, and sets ambitious goals to achieve a more just and sustainable world.

Insper Learning Institution

J-PAL, Insper and LAC leadership signing a partnership agreement

Home to J-PAL LAC’s office in Brazil, Insper Learning Institution (Insper) in São Paulo is known for its strong academic programs, including a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) and a rich set of online and in-person course offerings through its Executive Education program.

In collaboration with ADEPT and J-PAL LAC, Insper will offer courses from the MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Design of Policy (DEDP) in a “flipped classroom” format starting in October 2025. In this model, students watch the online lectures independently and attend weekly in-person sessions taught by Insper faculty. These sessions focus on applying course concepts through practical exercises and examples tailored to the Brazilian context.

As with all DEDP MicroMasters learners, Insper students who complete the online coursework and pass a final proctored exam will receive course certificates from MITx. Upon successful completion of five courses (three core and two electives), they will earn the DEDP MicroMasters credential. Students who also meet Insper-specific requirements– such as participation in the weekly in-person “flipped classroom” sessions– will receive a separate credential and course credit from Insper.

Courses will be offered through Insper’s Executive Education platform and therefore be available to MPP students, who may take DEDP x Insper courses as electives; professionals enrolled in Insper’s Executive Education programs; and in a specialization-level graduate program.

Leveraging the expertise of Insper faculty, the rigor of DEDP MicroMasters coursework, and Insper’s digital learning infrastructure, this innovative model aims to build a strong pipeline of locally trained policy professionals in Brazil.

Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit for Workers without Dependent Children in the United States

MDRC partnered with NYC Opportunity, the NYC Human Resources Administration and Food Bank for NYC to design, implement, and evaluate the program. MDRC researchers found that three years of Paycheck Plus in New York City increased income, employment, tax credit receipt, and payment of child support. Research on Paycheck Plus at a second site in Atlanta is still ongoing.

Evaluation

The Impact of Free Tuition Program Design on College Applications and Enrollment in the United States

Researchers investigated how two different free tuition programs for low-income students affected application and enrollment to the University of Michigan. An unconditional offer substantially increased application and enrollment while a conditional offer had a much smaller effect on applications and zero effect on enrollment.