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    EVD B Outline 01292020

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    Ronald Malicdem
    This document outlines a course aimed at teaching learners how to systematically evaluate evidence for the impact of policies and programs. The course covers topics like defining causal mechanisms, identifying and evaluating evidence, considering alternative explanations and unintended consequences. Assignments include analyzing case studies individually and in groups. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to assess evidence of a policy's impact and apply those tools to improve policymaking.

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    EVD B Outline 01292020

    Uploaded by

    Ronald Malicdem
    27 views2 pages
    This document outlines a course aimed at teaching learners how to systematically evaluate evidence for the impact of policies and programs. The course covers topics like defining causal mechanisms, identifying and evaluating evidence, considering alternative explanations and unintended consequences. Assignments include analyzing case studies individually and in groups. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to assess evidence of a policy's impact and apply those tools to improve policymaking.

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    EVD B outline 01292020

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    This document outlines a course aimed at teaching learners how to systematically evaluate evidence for the impact of policies and programs. The course covers topics like defining causal mechanisms, identifying and evaluating evidence, considering alternative explanations and unintended consequences. Assignments include analyzing case studies individually and in groups. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to assess evidence of a policy's impact and apply those tools to improve policymaking.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    27 views2 pages

    EVD B Outline 01292020

    Uploaded by

    Ronald Malicdem
    This document outlines a course aimed at teaching learners how to systematically evaluate evidence for the impact of policies and programs. The course covers topics like defining causal mechanisms, identifying and evaluating evidence, considering alternative explanations and unintended consequences. Assignments include analyzing case studies individually and in groups. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to assess evidence of a policy's impact and apply those tools to improve policymaking.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Public Leadership Credential

    Evidence for Decisions:


    Causes and Consequences COURSE B OUTLINE
    The big idea of the course is to get people to think carefully and systematically about how policies and programs
    impact the world. A truly evidence-based policy takes into account what has worked and not worked in the past, and
    can be evaluated for its impact. This requires us to define the causal chain and the counterfactual, identify and
    evaluate the evidence to demonstrate impact, and account for alternative explanations and unintended
    consequences of our policy decisions. By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with the tools to truly
    detect evidence of the impact of policies on the world, and use these tools for better policies in the process.

    Topic Content Assignments

    Drawing out existing beliefs about Individual assignments


    the world (priors) • Writing assignment
    Priors and • Discussion
    Week 1

    Counterfactuals Understanding what would have


    happened if a policy never existed Group assignments
    (counterfactual) • Synchronous hour meeting
    • Group case analysis
    Tool: Theory of Change

    Methods to translate priors into a Individual assignments


    concrete representation of impact • Writing assignment
    • Case analysis
    The theory of change as a • Discussion
    Week 2

    Evidence for a representation of causal


    Theory of Change mechanisms expected to produce Group assignments
    this impact • Synchronous hour meeting
    • Group case analysis
    Focus on causal links and evidence
    to confirm or negate causal links

    Impact evaluation and the Individual assignments


    approximation of the counterfactual • Case analysis
    in the real world • Quiz
    Week 3

    Threats to the
    Systematic ways to rule out Group assignments
    Counterfactual alternative explanations • Synchronous hour meeting
    • Group case analysis
    Tool: Central threats to the
    counterfactual
    Topic Content Assignments

    Study designs for different goals, Individual assignments


    resources, and timelines • Case analysis
    • Quiz
    Week 4

    Introduction to matching,
    Study Designs difference-in-differences, regression Group assignments
    discontinuity, and randomized • Synchronous hour meeting
    control trials • Group case analysis

    Tools: Basics of 4 study designs

    Rationale and strengths of Individual assignments


    qualitative research and how it can • Writing assignment
    Mixing Qualitative be incorporated into program • Case analysis
    Week 5

    evaluation
    and Quantitative Group assignments
    Methods Use of mixed methods for more • Synchronous hour meeting
    rigorous understanding of a • Group case analysis
    program or policy

    Updating priors with new evidence Individual assignments


    learned from evaluation • Peer review assignment
    Week 6

    Updating Your
    Detection of unintended Group assignments
    Priors consequences • Synchronous hour meeting
    • Group peer consultations
    Revisiting your theory of change

    Materials
    All course materials will be provided each week, including videos, readings, and assignment templates.

    This course uses global examples from across sectors to help you develop your capacity for causal evidence.
    Examples include global traffic congestion, US economic mobility, community health organizing in Tanzania and
    Indonesia, Jamaican social programs, and many others.

    Scoring
    You will not receive a letter grade in this course. Instead you will receive Pass or No Pass based on your performance.
    A small percentage of exceptional performers are recognized with Pass with Distinction. Scoring weights:
    35% - Individual assignments and quizzes 25% - Participation
    35% - Group assignments 5% - Community credit

    Course Policies
    See onlinelearning.hks.harvard.edu for full FAQs.

    2019.01.15

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