The Craft of Evidence-Based Research
This season presents a collection of insights dedicated to the rigors of social science inquiry. Throughout this series, I navigate foundational research challenges—ranging from the technicality of GIS-based sampling and probability frames to the conceptual pitfalls of model dependence and functional form assumptions in policy analysis. These posts bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering strategies to design more robust studies and make transparent analytical choices. Whether you are a student or a seasoned practitioner, this season provides the conceptual clarity and hands-on tools necessary to strengthen research validity in an increasingly complex world.
From Slogans to Systems: Rethinking Junk Food Taxes in Nepal
Note: This post is a special year-end issue in my blog series, reflecting on recent policy discussions from a health economics conference in Nepal. “The policy logic behind taxing High-Sugar,…
“The Program Worked. Or Did It?” How Model Dependence Shapes Policy Evidence
Imagine two researchers working with the same dataset to answer the same high-stakes policy question: Does a new vocational training program helps unemployed adults earn more? Both are well-trained. Both…
Beyond the Signal: How Noise Defines What We Can Trust in Policy Analysis
In my previous post, we discussed the signal — the functional form. We saw how getting the shape of a relationship wrong (for example, assuming a straight line when the…
When More Isn’t Always Better: The Shape of Impact in Policy Decisions
It has been a while since my last post—since March, to be exact. Life threw me an unexpected challenge: a detached retina. The fix? Surgery where surgeons injected silicone oil…
The Pre and Post-Test Design Puzzle: What is Missing in the Impact Evaluation?
When a new programme or intervention is implemented, we all want to know: “Did it work? ” A seemingly straightforward way to find it out is to compare outcomes before…
The Dangers of Correlation: Why “Impact or Effect” Isn’t Always What It Means?
Did you know that countries with higher rates of internet penetration tend to have longer lifespans? Or that nations with larger militaries often have healthier populations? At first glance, these…
GIS-Based Sampling Part II: A Grid-Based Approach for Field Research
Imagine planning a household survey in a rural village where access to a reliable and comprehensive sampling frame is limited or logistically challenging. OpenStreetMap may be useful in this context…
Redefining Household Sampling: A GIS-Based Approach Using OpenStreetMap and Python
Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank map, wondering how to select the right households for your research? Field researchers often face this challenge, especially when a reliable…