Evidence Matters

Evidence Matters: randomized trials in education research, Volume 1, is a scholarly examination of research methodologies within the field of education. This academic work addresses the scarcity of credible impact studies on student performance, noting that while sample surveys and narrative studies are common, randomized field trials are rarely utilized. The text advocates for a more rigorous approach to education research to better determine the efficacy of various instructional programs and practices.

Contributing experts analyze the history of educational progress and the political factors that hinder the adoption of experimental research. The authors provide concrete examples of how randomized trials can be feasibly implemented and discuss ethical aspects and alternatives to randomization. This volume serves as a comprehensive guide for policymakers and researchers seeking to improve the quality of education through evidence based evaluation and systematic field work.