In Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), evaluation models are crucial for analyzing whether interventions are effective, efficient, and impactful. These models, Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD), Difference-in-Differences (DiD), and Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). They help M&E professionals assess what works, why it works, and under what conditions.
By using evaluation models in monitoring and evaluation, development agencies, NGOs, and governments can direct resources toward programs with proven impact, ensuring meaningful change.
This article explores three core models RDD, DiD, and RCTs highlighting when to use each, how they function, and their relevance to real-world program evaluations.
Quick Reference: Comparison of Evaluation Models
| Model | Definition | Best Use Case |
| RDD | Compares groups around a specific cutoff point | Ideal for programs with eligibility thresholds |
| DiD | Measures outcome differences over time across groups | Best for policy impact assessments |
| RCT | Randomly assigns participants to treatment/control | Suited for controlled, experimental evaluations |
1. Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD): Evaluating Threshold-Based Interventions
What is Regression Discontinuity Design?
RDD is a quasi-experimental model that uses a predetermined cutoff (e.g., test score, income) to assign participants into treatment or control groups. By comparing individuals just above and below the cutoff, evaluators can estimate the causal impact of an intervention.
Core Assumptions of RDD
- No Cutoff Manipulation: Participants can’t influence their placement around the threshold.
- Continuity Assumption: Groups near the cutoff are statistically comparable.
When Should You Use RDD?
RDD is ideal for programs like:
- Scholarship schemes based on academic scores
- Subsidies linked to income levels
Example in Action
To measure the impact of a maternal health subsidy, RDD can compare women slightly below the income cutoff (who receive support) with those slightly above (who don’t).
🔗 Learn more: Regression Discontinuity Design Overview
2. Difference-in-Differences (DiD): Tracking Impact Over Time
Understanding the DiD Model
Difference-in-Differences (DiD) compares outcome changes between two groups one receiving the intervention and one not across two time periods (before and after the intervention).
Assumptions Behind DiD
Parallel Trends: Without the intervention, both groups would follow similar trajectories over time.
When to Use DiD?
DiD is best used when:
- You have pre- and post-intervention data
- Randomization is not possible, but comparison groups exist
Example Use Case
To evaluate a national skills training program, DiD can compare employment rates before and after the program across participant and non-participant groups.
🔗 Learn more: Difference-in-Differences Methodology
3. Randomized Control Trials (RCTs): The Benchmark for Causal Research
What Makes RCTs the Gold Standard?
Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) are experimental models where participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Randomization removes selection bias, ensuring robust causal inference.
Why RCTs Work
- They ensure equal distribution of both observed and unobserved variables.
- Any effect is attributed directly to the intervention.
When Should You Use RCTs?
- Random assignments are feasible
- You require strong causal evidence
Example Application
In public health, an RCT can test a new malaria drug by assigning communities to either receive the drug or a placebo, then comparing infection rates.
🔗 Learn more: RCTs in Social Research
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Evaluation Model for M&E
Selecting the appropriate evaluation model in monitoring and evaluation depends on your program goals, data availability, and the nature of the intervention:
- Use RDD when eligibility hinges on a cutoff.
- Use DiD when evaluating interventions over time without randomization.
- Use RCTs when random assignment is possible and high-impact evidence is required.
By integrating the right evaluation approach, your M&E strategy becomes more data-driven, enabling smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.
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