Impact evaluation is a methodology designed to determine whether a program or intervention actually caused observed changes in outcomes. It goes beyond measuring “what happened” to answer: Did the intervention make the difference? How? And why?

This brief introduces the core concepts of impact evaluation, including types of evidence, selection bias, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and theory-based evaluation (TBIE). It features practical examples from the education sector, with tools and strategies for using evidence to make smarter decisions, and design better programs.

Designed for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, this guide offers a practical and rigorous approach to understanding what works—and why—in education and social development.

This brief is part of a series of five brief guides produced by the Queen Rania Foundation, based on materials developed by Prof. Howard White (presenting  the Research and Evaluation Center (REC)) for the training course titled “Impact Evaluation: Methods, Advocacy, and Scalability”. The training was funded by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), the BHP Foundation, and the Queen Rania Foundation.