The BetterEvaluation Resource Library contains hundreds of curated and co-created resources related to managing, conducting, using, and strengthening capacity for evaluation.
You can use the search field and filtering on this page to find resources that you are interested in or you can browse our extensive list. An alternative way to find resources best suited to your needs is to explore the Rainbow Framework, where you can find resources relating to evaluation methods, approaches and tasks.
OECD-DAC principles for evaluation of development assistance
The OECD/DAC Network on Development Evaluation has updated the evaluation criteria definitions and principles for use after 25 years.Applying evaluation criteria thoughtfully
This guidance aims to help evaluators better understand the OECD-Development Assistance Committee (DAC) criteria and improve their use.Sampling for surveys: Stratified random sampling
These instructional videos provide a guide and examples of how to apply stratified random sampling.Sampling for surveys: Clustered random sampling
These instructional videos provide a guide and examples of how to apply clustered random sampling.Sampling for surveys: Sample size calculations
This instructional video explains how to calculate a sample size for a survey.Hiring an external evaluator
This resource helps you match an external evaluator to your needs through a set of practical steps, prompts, and tips.Evaluation standards for Latin America and the Caribbean
The evaluation standards for Latin America and the Caribbean were developed by a working group of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Monitoring, Evaluation and Systematization (ReLAC), with support from DEval’s evaluation capacityDiretrizes de Avaliação para a América Latina e o Caribe
Uma iniciativa da Rede de Monitoramento, Avaliação e Sistematização da América Latina e Caribe (ReLAC), em colaboração com DEval- FOCELAC+.Estándares de Evaluación para América Latina y el Caribe
Una iniciativa de la Red de Seguimiento, Evaluación y Sistematización de América Latina y el Caribe (ReLAC), con el apoyo de DEval- FOCELAC+.Normes de qualité pour l’évaluation du développement
Les Normes de qualité pour l’évaluation du développement se veulent un guide de bonnes pratiques pour l’évaluation dans le domaine du développement.DAC guidelines and reference series quality standards for development evaluation
Developed through a process of drafting, trialling and reviewing by members of the OECD DAC Network on Development Evaluation, the document sets out standards in terms of: overarching considerations; purpose, planning and design; implementation and…PMP evaluation plan guidance and templates
This guidance document and template outline the information to be included in a USAID Evaluation Plan as part of a Performance Management Plan (PMP).Evidence-based policy: A realist perspective
This book, written by Ray Pawson, provides a critique of the meta-analytic approach and argues that the realist synthesis is a better way of understanding program theory, therefore enabling properly targeted policies to address the constantConducting effective meetings
This paper from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) provides a number of strategies to ensure that meetings reach stated objectives in an engaging and productive manner.Strengthening the regression discontinuity design using additional design elements: A within-study comparison
This paper compares the regression discontinuity design (RDD) to the randomised clinical trial approach and proposes adding untreated comparisons to RDD to mitigate weaknesses in the method.Digital storytelling: Capturing lives, creating communities
This book from the Center for Digital Storytelling outlines the philosophy and practice involved with using digital storytelling in a development context.Collecting evaluation data: Surveys
This concise guide, prepared by Ellen Taylor-Powell and Carol Hermann for the University of Wisconsin Extension, offers a useful introduction to telephone-specific and broader survey design approaches.Matrix chart guide
This guide from Many Eyes provides guidance, including examples, on constructing matrix charts using the IBM Many Eyes software.Navigating sustainability: measurement, evaluation and action
This paper from the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) aims to document the evolution in thinking about measuring sustainability and distill crucial lessons for the future.Aid delivery methods: Project cycle management guidelines
These guidelines from the European Commission have been prepared to support ongoing improvements in the quality of development assistance.Evaluating the effects of international advocacy networks
This paper looks at some of the challenges that are present when evaluating the effects of the advocacy work of international change networks and provides an approach which may be used in these situations.Evaluation terms of reference guidelines
This guide from World Vision is part of their Learning through Evaluation with Accountability & Planning (LEAP) series. It provides detailed instructions for creating the various elements of a Terms of Reference document.Making a difference: M&E of policy research
The paper presents examples and approaches on conducting M&E of policy research from the current experience of a range of research institutes, think tanks and funding bodies.Tools for policy impact: A handbook for researchers
The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), as part of its Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) programme, has been looking at the links between research and policy for several years.Audience engagement strategy book
This guide, written by Sheila B Robinson for Potent Presentations, outlines various strategies that can be used in presentations to encourage an audience's intellectual engagement with you and your message.Exploring the science of complexity: Ideas and implications for development and humanitarian efforts
This paper, authored by Ben Ramalingam and Harry Jones with Toussaint Reba and John Young for the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), explores and reflects on the concepts of complexity science and what they mean for development and humanImpact evaluation: A guide for commissioners and managers
This guide, written by Elliot Stern, aims to support managers and commissioners in gaining a deeper and broader understanding of impact evaluation.Data cleaning 101
This paper from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School outlines a step-by-step process for verifying that data values are correct or, at the very least, conform to a set of rules through the use of a data cleaning process.NZAID guideline on developing terms of reference for reviews and evaluation
This guide from NZAID provides suggestions on how to develop clear Terms of Reference (TOR) for reviews and evaluations.What is impact evaluation?
This video lecture given by Professor Howard White for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) provides an introduction to the importance of impact evaluation.Using evidence to inform policy
This video lecture given by Beryl Leach for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) focuses on using research evidence in policymaking and program design.The theory of change
This video lecture given by Professor Howard White for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) outlines the use and importance of a theory of change in impact evaluation.