By Conner Mullally Many of us believe that studies following the “gold standard” of randomized assignment, such as those generated by academic labs in the hard sciences, are beyond reproach. According to Bruce Booth - a scientist turned venture capitalist - “the unspoken rule is that at least 50% of the studies published even in top tier academic journals – Science, Nature, … [Read more...] about Is economics research credible?
Beyond development effectiveness
What is different about development assistance? A simple show of words…
A prevailing element of discussion leading to a consensus document at the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, Korea was how to bring China, Brazil and India into the post-Busan process. Throughout the meeting, the reality of the new development architecture was showcased. That is, traditional donors are still mired in a financial crisis that has restricted … [Read more...] about What is different about development assistance? A simple show of words…
Monitoring and evaluation systems work…only if they are used
In the last few years, demand for public program evaluations has increased in Latin America and the Caribbean. This has been accompanied by the design and implementation of reliable and timely monitoring systems, that serve as data source for keeping track of public program implementation and results. A good monitoring and evaluation system is not enough, even if it is … [Read more...] about Monitoring and evaluation systems work…only if they are used
Is blogging good for economics?
A few days ago, I attended an entertaining discussion on blogs at the IDB. It had the wonkish title “Blogging without borders: best practices of highly effective global blogging.” Shanta Devarajan Chief economist for Africa at the World Bank, Felix Salmon from Reuters and David Roodman from the Center for International Development discussed on whether blogging can be good for … [Read more...] about Is blogging good for economics?
Please wash your hands and save a child
Dr. Atul Gawande in his fascinating book “Better” reports his bewilderment on the mystery on why “the meticulousness of the operating room has not spread beyond its double doors”: even after a year-long campaign in the Hospital in which he works in Boston, 30% of all doctors still did not follow standard hygiene protocols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … [Read more...] about Please wash your hands and save a child