Details
- Publication date
- 21 February 2012
- Authors
- Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture | European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Adult education
- Higher education
- School education
- Thematic areas covered
- Educational effectiveness and efficiency
- Governance of education
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Lifelong learning
- Monitoring and quality assurance
- Quality and inclusive education for all
- Teachers and trainers
- Whole-school and whole-system approaches and partnerships in education
Description
This report advocates for the broader application of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in evaluating education policies in Europe. It outlines how RCTs provide rigorous, causal evidence by comparing treatment and control groups under random assignment.
The authors explain key methodological considerations, including sample size, ethical concerns, long-term effects, and external validity. Case studies from Europe and beyond illustrate successful RCT implementation and challenges.
The report highlights Europe’s underuse of RCTs compared to the US and developing countries. It proposes EU-level coordination and support to encourage RCTs and disseminate policy-relevant knowledge. Ultimately, it positions RCTs as vital tools for evidence-based educational reform across Member States.
Authors
Adrien Bouguen and Marc Gurgand
Cite as
Bouguen, A., Gurgand, M. (2013), Assessing Causality: A Case for Randomized Controlled Trials, EENEE Policy Briefing no. 1/2013.
