Join our fourth session in the ‘How to evaluate’ training series, where you'll explore how to meet the Office for Students (OfS) Type 3 (causal) standard of evidence using quasi-experimental designs (QEDs). 

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.

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

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 ‘Assessing process: Running a successful implementation and process evaluation (IPE)’ to complement your understanding of QEDs.

In registering for this event, you agree to the following terms: cancellations must be received in writing (to info@taso.org.uk) by Friday 1st November to qualify for a refund. We regret that no refund can be made for cancellations received after this time; however substitute delegates will be accepted at any time. If sending a substitute delegate please provide the registered delegate’s full name and the substitute delegate’s full name, job title, organisation, and email address to info@taso.org.uk.