Rigorous Program Evaluations on a Budget

This paper illustrates the feasibility and value of low-cost randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for policy officials and researchers, by providing concrete examples from diverse program areas.

The paper summarizes five well-conducted, low-cost RCTs, carried out in real-world community settings. Study costs range from $50,000 to $300,000, with random assignment itself comprising only a small portion of this cost (between $0 and $20,000). The studies all produced valid evidence that is of policy and practical importance.

Last modified: January 9, 2021

Language: English