→ Book now: Exploring causal impact, QEDs

Join our evaluation training event where you’ll explore how to meet the Office for Students (OfS) Type 3 (causal) standard of evidence using quasi-experimental designs (QEDs).

→ Access the agenda

QEDs aim to establish a causal relationship between an intervention and outcomes. They rely on naturally occurring or constructed intervention and comparator groups rather than achieving this through random assignment. For instance, curriculum-based interventions which are being rolled out and are delivered in some courses but not others.

This session is applicable to both pre-entry and post-entry access and participation (APP) work, offering a comprehensive overview of when and how to use QEDs to evaluate your interventions.

Key elements in this session

  • Learn how to identify when it is appropriate to use a QED and explore variations of this methodology.
  • Understand sample size considerations for implementing QEDs.
  • Explore how to use a QED to evaluate your new intervention or strategy.
  • Learn how to interpret and learn from the findings of QEDs, as well as how to effectively communicate these findings to stakeholders.
  • Review case studies that illustrate common issues encountered when running a QED.
  • By the end of the session, you will have a high-level understanding of when it is appropriate to use a QED, how to plan a QED for an intervention, and the knowledge of potential challenges you may face.

Who should attend?

  • Those new to evaluation.
  • Experienced evaluators seeking to refresh their understanding of causal impact methods.
  • Managers and practitioners who commission and manage evaluations.
  • Those who work closely with evaluators.

Why attend?

  • Professional development: Gain a deep understanding of the appropriate use of QEDs, and learn how to interpret and learn from their outputs.
  • Benefit for your institution: Learn which interventions within your APPs would be suitable for a QED, and effectively manage their evaluation.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals across the higher education sector, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices for effective evaluation.

Note: This session will not cover statistical techniques, therefore, no statistical or technical expertise required to attend.

Location: Nesta, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS


Cost:

Early bird

  • Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector):
    • £299 + VAT
  • For-profit organisations:
    • £599 + VAT

Standard rate

  • Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector):
    • £349 + VAT
  • For-profit organisations:
    • £699 + VAT

 

Sign up below.

 

Next steps:

An impact evaluation should go hand-in-hand with an implementation and process evaluation. You may also find it useful to attend our second session on ‘Running an implementation and process evaluation’ to complement your understanding of QEDs.