Guidelines for evidence use

Many different kinds of evidence exist without a general hierarchy to evaluate them. The choice of method, and hence the type of evidence, follows from the questions being asked and the context. DownloadThis policy brief (PDF, 200 KB)vertical_align_bottom argues that the crux is not so much what evidence is, but how it is approached.

DownloadThis policy brief (PDF, 322 KB)vertical_align_bottom adresses the issues of knowledge management and how organisations can facilitate evidence use in decision-making. 

DownloadThis policy brief (PDF, 929 KB)vertical_align_bottom contends that for questions related to the effectiveness of programmes, existing research evidence is often the most reliable type of information. Impact evaluations are particularly effective at generating evidence for decision making.

The goal of impact evaluations is to improve aid effectiveness. An impact evaluation assesses the effects that can be attributed to a particular development project or programme, Downloadthis backgrounder (PDF, 2.1 MB)vertical_align_bottom explains.