Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences) ›› 2020, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (8): 110-125.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2020.08.004

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Randomized Controlled Trials and Its Policy Implication on Poverty Relief Globally

Shi Rong1, Shi Yaojiang2, Bill Bikales3, Ricardo Morel4   

  1. 1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, Beijing, 100600;
    2. Center for Experimental Economics in Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710119;
    3. United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator’s Office in China, Beijing, 100600;
    4. Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) in Myanmar, Yangon
  • Published:2020-08-14

Abstract: With increasing attention drawn to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) after the announcement of the Nobel Prize winners in Economics Science 2019, this paper attempts to discuss the policy impact of RCTs and highlight its importance not only as an academic methodology but also as a useful policy tool. In this paper, four channels have been identified through which RCTs could help policy maker and development agencies in making their decisions. For each channel, detailed case studies are provided to further illustrate the impact of RCTs. The four channels discussed in the paper are 1) scaling up effective interventions, 2) adjusting programs to better allocate resources, 3) generating public goods and knowledge sharing, 4) institutionalizing evidence-based policy making.

Key words: randomized controlled trials, policy impact, poverty alleviation