Evaluating Social Programs
Learn why and when randomized evaluations can be used to rigorously evaluate the impact of social programs and how findings can inform the design of evidence-based policies and programs.
Learn why and when randomized evaluations can be used to rigorously evaluate the impact of social programs and how findings can inform the design of evidence-based policies and programs.
This course is currently archived. You can view most of the course materials, such as lectures and readings, and many assignments. However, you cannot complete assignments for a grade; you cannot upgrade or earn a certificate; the discussion forums may not be open or actively monitored; and some assignments or links may no longer work.
At a Glance
More About the Course
This course explores each step in designing a randomized evaluation, from developing a theory of change and conducting the randomization process to navigating design challenges and ethical considerations. Through lectures led by J-PAL affiliated professors and case studies using real-world examples, you will gain an understanding of both technical design aspects and practical considerations for measuring impact with a randomized evaluation. Throughout the course, you will learn how to recognize opportunities for evaluation, how to design a high-quality randomized evaluation, and how to maximize policy impact and assess the generalizability of research findings.
This course is designed for policymakers, program implementers, and practitioners from governments, NGOs, international organizations, foundations, and beyond, as well as students looking for an introduction to randomized evaluations. Join a community of learners from around the world who are interested in learning how rigorous evaluation and evidence can ensure their organizations’ programs have the intended impact.
For researchers looking for more in-depth practical guidance for conducting randomized evaluations, including modules on survey design and data collection and management, we encourage you to enroll J-PAL’s semester-long course on Designing and Running Randomizations which is part of the MITx Data, Economics, and Development Policy MicroMasters Program.
Organizations -- contact the J-PAL Training Team to explore how to enroll your staff as a cohort in our blended learning program.
Although not required, prior familiarity with basic statistical concepts is recommended.
Rachel Glennerster is an associate professor of economics in the Division of Social Science at the University of Chicago. She is also an affiliated professor and former Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). She uses randomized trials to study democracy and accountability, health, education, microfinance, and women’s empowerment mainly in West Africa and South Asia. She has also written on strategies to stimulate innovation, promoting more equitable access to vaccines, and the response to Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics.
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Iqbal Dhaliwal is the Global Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). Based at the economics department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he works with the Board of Directors to develop the organization’s strategic vision, and with the leadership of J-PAL’s regional offices to coordinate research, policy outreach, capacity building, and operations worldwide. He is also the co-director with Esther Duflo of J-PAL’s South Asia office, co-chair with Abhijit Banerjee of the Innovation in Government Initiative, and co-chair with Shawn Cole and Lars Vilhuber of the Innovations in Data and Experiments for Action Initiative.
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Benjamin A. Olken is the Jane Berkowitz Carlton and Dennis William Carlton Professor of Microeconomics at MIT. His research focuses on the public sector in developing countries, including work on social safety nets, taxation, and governance. He has worked extensively in Indonesia for over 20 years, as well as in other contexts. Olken earned his PhD in 2004 from Harvard University. He is a Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and Scientific Director of J-PAL Southeast Asia and previously served as a Co-Chair of J-PAL's Governance Initiative. He is also the Editor of American Economic Journal: Applied Economics and the Co-Director of the NBER Development Economics Program.