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.
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...
Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposals
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review research involving human subjects to ensure that participants are protected from potentially harmful research. This resource provides an overview of the roles...
Ethical conduct of randomized evaluations
This resource is intended as a practical guide for researchers to use when considering the ethics of a given research project. It draws heavily from J-PAL’s own ethics training for research staff and...
Checklist for launching a randomized evaluation in the United States
J-PAL North America’s Evaluation Toolkit is intended for researchers, research managers, research assistants, and students trained in economic theory and research design who are preparing to launch a...
Administrative steps for launching a randomized evaluation in the United States
This checklist provides guidance on the logistical and administrative steps that are necessary to launch a randomized evaluation that adheres to legal regulations, follows transparency guidelines...
Assessing viability and building relationships
This resource guides researchers through background research and early discussions with a program implementer who has expressed interest in a randomized evaluation, and with whom a partnership seems...