How can experimental research improve public policy?

2 Why is experimental research useful for public policy?

Experimental research can provide valuable insights for public policy because it can help answer questions such as: What are the effects of a policy or program on the target population? How do different groups respond to different incentives or interventions? What are the potential trade-offs or unintended consequences of a policy or program? How can a policy or program be improved or scaled up? By conducting experiments, policymakers can test their assumptions, measure their impacts, and learn from their failures.

3 What are some examples of experimental research in public policy?

Experimental research has been applied to a variety of public policy domains, such as education, health, poverty, environment, crime, and governance. For instance, the Progresa program in Mexico tested the effects of conditional cash transfers on school enrollment, health, and nutrition of poor families. The Deworm the World Initiative evaluated the impact of mass deworming on school attendance, cognitive skills, and economic outcomes of children in Kenya and India. Additionally, the Moving to Opportunity experiment studied the effects of housing vouchers on the well-being, education, and employment of low-income families in the US. Furthermore, the Graduation Approach assessed the effectiveness of a comprehensive package of support for ultra-poor households in Bangladesh and other countries. Lastly, the Metaketa Initiative coordinated a series of experiments on the effects of different interventions on voter turnout, political accountability, and public goods provision.

4 What are some challenges and limitations of experimental research in public policy?

Experimental research is not a silver bullet for public policy and faces several challenges and limitations. Ethically and practically, there are issues to consider such as obtaining informed consent, ensuring compliance, protecting privacy, and minimizing harm or bias. Additionally, there are considerations regarding external validity and generalizability, such as whether the results of an experiment can be replicated or applied to other contexts. Furthermore, cost and feasibility must be taken into account when conducting an experiment, as well as the complexity and uncertainty of the policy or program being tested.

5 How can experimental research be improved and integrated in public policy?

Experimental research can be improved and integrated into public policy by adopting a problem-driven and context-specific approach, which involves identifying relevant policy questions, stakeholders, and constraints. Furthermore, a mixed-methods and multidisciplinary approach should be used, combining experiments with other methods of data collection and analysis while collaborating with experts from different fields and sectors. Additionally, continuous learning and feedback should be encouraged by sharing and synthesizing the results, lessons, and recommendations of experiments, followed by adapting and scaling the policies or programs accordingly. Finally, a culture of experimentation and innovation should be built by fostering a mindset of curiosity, openness, and evidence-based decision making while creating platforms and networks for experimentation and learning.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?