Effect analysis and related approaches
8.1 Highlights
Highlights
- Effect analysis: Effect analysis focuses on identifying the results of the intervention, determining whether the intervention makes a difference, in what way, for whom, and whether the observed effects can be attributed to the intervention.
- Research designs: Experiments were traditionally associated with effect analysis. Many different designs exist to answer effect analysis questions, each with its own strengths and threats to validity.
- Choosing the right design for an effect analysis: The purpose of the evaluation, the characteristics of the intervention and its implementation context are likely the main factors to consider when choosing an approach for effect analysis.
- Contribution analysis: Contribution analysis is a theory-based approach for effect analysis better suited for evaluating complex interventions.
- Impact analysis: Impact analysis is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of research designs, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs and contribution analysis.
- Impacts on planetary health: While some impact or effects analysis designs can readily integrate planetary health considerations, experimental or quasi-experimental designs may require a mixed-methods approach.
- Outcome harvesting: Outcome harvesting is an approach designed to identify effects in changing contexts. This approach is useful to understand social change processes.
