Randomized controlled trials of multi-sectoral programs: Lessons from development research
由经济学家和营养学家组成的研究团队总结二十多年来设计实施多部门项目随机对照试验的经验，探讨如何解决黑箱问题、外部有效性不足及规模化应用挑战，对发展政策制定者和项目评估者具有参考价值。
Development is a multi-faceted process; achieving development goals thus requires a multi-sectoral approach. For over two decades, our research group of economists and nutritionists has designed and implemented randomized trials to assess the effectiveness of multisectoral programs in improving nutrition, food security, and other measures of well-being, largely at the request of developing country governments, development partners, and non-governmental organizations. Our approach addresses three perceived pitfalls of RCTs: the "black box" nature of RCTs, limited external validity, and challenges in translation of results to impacts at scale. We address these concerns by identifying and assessing programmatic pathways to impact with quantitative and qualitative methods; studying similar programs implemented by different organizations across various settings; and working closely with implementing partners in the design, research, and dissemination processes to inform adaptation and scale-up of programs and policies.