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Theory-based impact evaluation: principles and practice
Abstract
Calls for rigorous impact evaluation have been accompanied by the quest not just to find out what works but why. It is widely accepted that a theory-based approach to impact evaluation, one that maps out the causal chain from inputs to outcomes and impact and tests the underlying assumptions, will shed light on the why question. But application of a theory-based approach remains weak. This paper identifies the following six principles to successful application of the approach: (1) map out the causal chain (programme theory); (2) understand context; (3) anticipate heterogeneity; (4) rigorous evaluation of impact using a credible counterfactual; (5) rigorous factual analysis; and (6) use mixed methods.
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Cited by
A Systematic Review of Theory-Driven Evaluation Practice From 1990 to 2009
Coryn, C. L. S., Noakes, L. A., Westine, C. D., & Schröter, D. C. (2011) · American Journal of Evaluation · doi:10.1177/1098214010389321 · Cited by 531
Effectiveness and synergies of policy instruments for land use governance in tropical regions
Lambin, E. F., Meyfroidt, P., Rueda, X., Blackman, A., Börner, J., Cerutti, P. O., Dietsch, T., Jungmann, L., Lamarque, P., Lister, J., et al. (2014) · Global Environmental Change · doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.06.007 · Cited by 512
Broadening the range of designs and methods for impact evaluations
Stern, E., Stame, N., Mayne, J., Forss, K., Davies, R., & Befani, B. (2012) · doi:10.22163/fteval.2012.100 · Cited by 369
The Impact of Transparency and Accountability Initiatives
Gaventa, J., & McGee, R. (2013) · Development Policy Review · doi:10.1111/dpr.12017 · Cited by 339
Dawson, N., Martin, A., & Sikor, T. (2016) · World Development · doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.10.008 · Cited by 278
Metadata
- Authors
- White, H.
- Venue
- Journal of Development Effectiveness
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2009-09-15
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 271-284
- ISSN
- 1943-9342 (ISSN-L)
- 1943-9407
- OpenAlex
- W2115196548
- Cited by
- 426
- References
- 0
- FWCI
- 27.06
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
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