Rigour involves using systematic, transparent processes to produce valid findings and conclusions. There are significant differences in what this is understood to mean in evaluation.
For some evaluators and organisations, rigorous evaluation involves using one of a small number of research designs that address the risk of certain biases—for example, using random assignment to create control groups to reduce the risk of selection bias. This approach is reflected in terminology such as ‘rigorous impact evaluation,’ which refers to evaluations that have used experimental or quasi-experimental research designs.
For other evaluators and organisations, rigorous evaluation involves using systematic and transparent processes that are appropriate to the nature of what is being evaluated and the types of questions being asked.
Inclusive Rigour is a concept developed by the Inclusive Rigour Co-Lab. It incorporates three interconnected issues: effective methodological bricolage, meaningful participation and inclusion, and utilisation and impact.
Resources
Guides
Blog
Expand to view all resources related to 'Rigour'
Resource
- Balancing innovation and rigor: Guidance on how to thoughtfully integrate AI in evaluation
- Can we obtain the required rigour without randomisation? Oxfam GB’s non-experimental Global Performance Framework
- Causal Pathways 2023 Symposium and 2024 introductory sessions
- Evaluation Standards
- How do we define and support quality and rigor in Causal Pathways evaluation?
- Raising the bar: Improving how to assess evidence quality in evaluating systems-change efforts
- Rethinking rigour to embrace complexity in peacebuilding evaluation
This page is a Stub (a minimal version of a page). You can help expand it. Contact Us to recommend resources or volunteer to expand the description.
'Rigour' is referenced in:
Blog
Framework/Guide
- Rainbow Framework :
Method
Theme