Rapid impact evaluation

Abstract

Rapid Impact Evaluation offers the potential to evaluate impacts in both ex ante and ex post settings, providing utility for developmental and formative evaluation as well as the usual summative settings. Rapid Impact Evaluation triangulates judgments of three separate groups of experts to assess the incremental change in effects attributable to the program. Three methodological innovations are central to the method: the scenario-based counterfactual, a simplified approach to measuring change in effects, and an interest-based approach to stakeholder engagement. In evaluations to date, Rapid Impact Evaluation has proved to be a cost effective and nimble approach to assessing impacts and does not intrude on design or implementation of the program. By applying recent thinking on use-seeking research emphasizing joint knowledge processes over knowledge products, Rapid Impact Evaluation promotes salience, legitimacy, and credibility with decision makers and key stakeholders. Applications show Rapid Impact Evaluation to be fit for purpose.