The gold standard for scientific evaluation is a randomized experiment in which some subjects under study (the treatment group) are randomly selected to participate in a program and non-participants are randomly assigned to the control group.
IFC is moving beyond conventional “before-vs.-after” analyses to develop and implement a diverse portfolio of experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs which address the issue of attribution and are consistent with good practice. The goal of these evaluations is to learn through systematic approaches and channel important lessons back to project staff to improve project design and implementation. For more information, see our Innovations in Impact Evaluation Monitor Note. For assistance, please email Alexis Diamond.
IFC has 30 experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations in its current portfolio, with 23 presently underway.
