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This publication from J-PAL and CLEAR SA offers a framework for creating an impact evaluation strategy, focusing on quantitative impact evaluations that use a counterfactual.
The aim of the framework is to help evaluators to ask the right questions, at the right time, in a credible manner.
The toolkit provides practical steps for assessing when and how to conduct quantitative, counterfactual impact evaluations. It offers strategies for selecting evaluation candidates and details the technical processes, such as creating a theory of change and designing evaluation methods. It also provides technical guidance on how to select suitable methods, plan budgets, and ensure feasibility. It includes detailed discussions of quantitative approaches including randomized evaluations, regression, and matching methods to generate credible impact estimates, as well as practical tools, such as templates for drafting terms of reference and examples of theories of change.
Content review note:
This publication uses the following definition of impact evaluation to guide its content, noting that they have restricted their definition to quantitative impact evaluation:
"The causal effect of the program or policy on an outcome of interest determined by comparing the outcomes of interest (short-, medium-, or long-term) with what would have happened without the program—a counterfactual."
However, it should be noted that impact evaluation can be defined in a number of ways, with more recent advances in methodology and approaches demonstrating that rigorous evaluation can be achieved in many different ways. To further understand this topic you might like to read our Impact Evaluation theme page and Causal Pathways content.
Sources
Jetha, Q., Kanan, H. & Escueta, M. (2017). Impact Evaluability Toolkit. J-PAL South Asia and CLEAR South Asia.