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Does the RCT tail wag the implementation dog?

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  • Pieterse, Pieternella

Abstract

It is important to test whether one intervention proves to be more successful than another at achieving the same goal, before deciding which one to introduce or scale up. Using randomised controlled trials (RCTs) can be useful when comparing efficacy, be that of medical treatments, or international development interventions. However, the research community should be careful not to let the RCT tail wag the implementation dog. A balance needs to be struck, between researchers primarily focusing on the research standards and data-gathering protocols on the one hand; and ensuring that the implementation of the interventions under study are carried out with integrity, on the other.

Suggested Citation

  • Pieterse, Pieternella, 2020. "Does the RCT tail wag the implementation dog?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:127:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x1930470x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naila Kabeer, 2019. "Randomized Control Trials and Qualitative Evaluations of a Multifaceted Programme for Women in Extreme Poverty: Empirical Findings and Methodological Reflections," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 197-217, April.
    2. Martina Björkman & Jakob Svensson, 2009. "Power to the People: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment on Community-Based Monitoring in Uganda," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 124(2), pages 735-769.
    3. Pritchett Lant & Sandefur Justin, 2014. "Context Matters for Size: Why External Validity Claims and Development Practice do not Mix," Journal of Globalization and Development, De Gruyter, vol. 4(2), pages 161-197, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gugerty, Mary Kay & Mitchell, George E. & Santamarina, Francisco J., 2021. "Discourses of evaluation: Institutional logics and organizational practices among international development agencies," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    2. Margolies, Amy & Colantuoni, Elizabeth & Morgan, Rosemary & Gelli, Aulo & Caulfield, Laura, 2023. "The burdens of participation: A mixed-methods study of the effects of a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program on women’s time use in Malawi," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).

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