K2SP 3640 - Evidence-based policy evaluation (EBEP) – An overview of methods

This course introduces graduate students to the complex inter-relations between evidence and public policy through the study of the methodologies used to understand and advance the policy agenda set by decision makers.

The course asks whether and how policy-makers can become informed consumers of scientific evidence in its different forms. To be effective actors, decision-makers and analysts are expected to navigate the science-evidence-policy interface by interpreting different types of evidence, managing the uncertainties associated with the evidence, engaging with experts, and sometimes supporting the creation of new evidence.

The course covers different types of evidence from quantitative and qualitative social science methods (e.g. regression analysis, experimental and quasi-experimental methods, case studies), with an emphasis on the different types of uncertainty/assumptions involved in such results. Then, it delves into different modes of synthesizing research outputs (from Rapid Evidence Assessments to systematic reviews and meta-analysis).

There is no formal prerequisites. However, the course will refer to basic knowledge in statistics, politics and public policy analysis, therefore the students may need to review some of these concepts as part of their individual preparation work.

Lecture

The course will be graded based on:

• Students' engagement during the semester (participation in class discussions, ability to ask questions, and participation in Kahoot/sli.do quizzes) (10%)
• 1 short answer (no more than two pages) to a question related to the content of the course i.e. a critical analysis of a paper using one of the methodologies studied in the course. This will be a short assignment given between sessions (10%)
• 1 group presentation for the methodological steps followed to perform a rapid evidence assessment as preparation for the final assignment (presented during one of the last session (20%)
• A rapid evidence assessment (REA) produced by each student individually with a maximum of 3,000 words. The professor will provide a set of approximately 15 research/policy questions in different areas of public policy to be answered by the REA (60%).