C4D: Understand causes and contributions

Understand Causes is one of the seven clusters of R,M&E tasks in the Rainbow Framework.

Most evaluations need to investigate what is causing any changes observed. This involves selecting methods for investigating causal attribution and contribution.

There is one main task and three key methods associated with Understand causes. The task below contains C4D specific methods, advice and resources on investigating causal attribution and contribution

In this section

  • For most evaluations it is not enough to just gather and report data about activities and changes in conditions (expected results) - there needs to be an investigation of the role of the intervention in producing these results. This is needed for any outcome or impact evaluation and also for any evaluation that examines effectiveness or ways to improve performance.

'C4D: Understand causes and contributions' is referenced in:

  • Cadre/Guide