Until recently, empirical testing of the impact of development projects was extremely weak, and controversial. Most research on the impact of development projects suffered from severe methodological problems: almost none of the available empirical studies appropriately addressed problems related to self-selection bias and/or programme placement bias. Fortunately, in the last few years, we have seen several new empirical analyses using rigorous methodologies on the impact of microcredit. These new analyses are often based on so-called randomized controlled trials. In a randomized controlled trial the impact of development projects is studied by randomly assigning different households to treatment and control groups. In this summer school we will discuss the important aspects of experimental design in the context of development projects. Special attention will be given to microfinance projects. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the theory and practice of field experiments in developing countries. Students will learn how to design randomized experiments, quasi-experiments and so-called lab-in-the-field games. We will also explain how to analyse the data and interpret the findings.

Course leader
Prof. Robert Lensink (University of Groningen)Prof. Erwin Bulte (Wageningen University)

Target group
Research Master/MPhil, Phd, Postdoc

Credits info
5 ECTS Students who prepare and attend all lectures and tutorials, and complete their assignments will receive 2 EC and a certificate of attendance. For Research Master students there is a possibility to upgrade the course to 5 EC.

Fee info
EUR 700: The fee ( 700) includes:housing, participation in the programme, course materials, coffee, tea and refreshments, five lunches, dinners on Monday and Friday evening and a city tour + informal welcoming ceremony on Sunday 5 July. EUR 450: The fee ( 450) includes:participation in the programme, course materials, coffee, tea and refreshments, five lunches, dinners on Monday and Friday evening and a city tour + informal welcoming ceremony on Sunday 5 July.

University of Groningen
Address: Broerstraat 5 Groningen
Postal code: 9721 CP
City: Groningen
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://rug.nl/summerschools
E-mail: summerschools@rug.nl
Phone: 0031 6 28216256