Running Randomized
Evaluations:
A Practical Guide
Rachel Glennerster &
Kudzai Takavarasha
This book provides a
comprehensive yet accessible guide to running randomized impact evaluations of
social programs. Drawing on the experience of researchers at the Abdul Latif
Jameel Poverty Action Lab, 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. This
step-by-step guide explains why and when randomized evaluations are useful, in
what situations they should be used, and how to prioritize different evaluation
opportunities. It shows how to design and analyze studies that answer important
questions while respecting the constraints of those working on and benefiting
from the program being evaluated. The book gives concrete tips on issues such
as improving the quality of a study despite tight budget constraints, and
demonstrates how the results of randomized impact evaluations can inform
policy. With its self-contained modules, this one-of-a-kind guide is easy to
navigate. It also includes invaluable references and a checklist of the common
pitfalls to avoid. * Provides the most up-to-date guide to running randomized
evaluations of social programs, especially in developing countries * Offers
practical tips on how to complete high-quality studies in even the most
challenging environments * Self-contained modules allow for easy reference and
flexible teaching and learning * Comprehensive yet nontechnical
