Introduction to Impact Evaluation
Date:
26/06/2017 - 27/06/2017
Organised by:
Social Sciences Research Methods Centre - University of Cambridge
Presenter:
Prof Anna Vignoles,
Dr Ben Alcott
Level:
Intermediate (some prior knowledge)
Contact:
Siobhan Hoffmann Heap
ssrmc@hermes.cam.ac.uk
Map:
View in Google Maps (CB2 1RW)
Venue:
Mill Lane Lecture Rooms, and the Titan Rooms,
University of Cambridge,
Cambridge
Description:
This course aims to provide students with a range of specific technical skills that will enable them to undertake impact evaluation of policy. Too often policy is implemented but not fully evaluated. Without evaluation we cannot then tell what the short or longer term impact of a particular policy has been. On this course, students will learn the skills needed to evaluate particular policies and will have the opportunity to do some hands on data manipulation. A particular feature of this course is that it provides these skills in a real world context of policy evaluation. It also focuses primarily not on experimental evaluation (Random Control Trials) but rather quasi-experimental methodologies that can be used where an experiment is not desirable or feasible.
The specific topics to be covered in this course include:
- Regression-based techniques
- Evaluation framework and concepts
- The limitations of regression based approaches and RCTs
- Before/After, Difference in Difference (DID) methods
- Computer exercise on difference in difference methods
- Instrumental variables techniques
- Regression discontinuity design.
Learning the skills needed to undertake impact evaluation is important for future career development and those likely to benefit from this course include PhD students, government researchers and other academic researchers who are keen to learn more about impact evaluation and the associated statistical techniques. Participants will also get the opportunity to develop some skills in the use of STATA software. Familiarity with regression analysis would be an advantage for this course.
NB. ?Knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics is required.
Cost:
Free
Website and registration:
https://introduction-to-impact-evaluation.eventbrite.co.uk
Region:
East of England
Keywords:
Quasi-Experimental Research, Policy evaluation, Regression Methods, technical skills , impact evaluation , skills , data manipulation , real world context , Random Control Trials , framework and concepts , limitations , RCTs , Before/After , discontinuity design , Stata
Related publications and presentations:
Quasi-Experimental Research
Policy evaluation
Regression Methods