Theory based methods for impact evaluation

Theory based methods can be used to ascertain whether the intervention caused an impact, how and why it occurred, how other factors may have contributed; and to understand how the intervention was delivered. 

Theory Based Methods are a key way to evaluate impacts in an environment where it is not possible to find counterfactuals and complete randomised control trials to assess the different between the control group and the treatment group.  We have a team of specialists in a range of tools, who can design the best methodology given the programme or policy being evaluated and implement it.  Our approach and methods are in line with the Government’s Magenta Book 

How we help

We design robust methodologies to answer your research/ evaluation  questions, using both quantitative and qualitative tools. 

We focus on understanding what works, in what context and for whom, adding a further layer of interpretation to quantitative data when findings are triangulated together. Interviews, focus groups, workshops and direct observation are key tools. We combine these with Qualitative Comparative Analysis; Process Mapping/ Tracing; Realist Evaluation; Outcome Harvesting/ Most Significant Change; Simulation Modelling and Contribution Analysis to analyse impacts.