Will we see more randomised controlled trials in social program evaluation?

Randomised controlled trials are the preferred measurement method for the NSW social benefit bond (social impact bond) trials. The Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy published an overview and demonstration of rigorous-but-low-cost program evaluations in March 2012. The publication highlights the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with administrative data systems, providing a number of examples from existing studies. RCTs are widely considered best practice with respect to program evaluation.