April 22, 2009
Commentary
The Importance of Experiments
Check out two recent blog posts that describe the importance of experiments in making smart decisions about microcredit programs and other business ventures.
April 20, 2009
Commentary
Breastfeeding Evidence
This month's Atlantic Monthly has a controversial article about breastfeeding, specifically making arguments against breastfeeding. The arguments are of two types. One is social and normative, and the other is on the evidence. My thoughts, naturally, are on the evidence. The journalist makes a classic error in understanding and interpreting "treatment effects." Here is a clip:
April 13, 2009
Commentary
Uncovering the Secret to Successful Aid?
This seems to be our week to blog about Bill Easterly's blog. Although in this one, we aren't going to agree as much. I was really excited to see his report about Women's Trust until I got to the final paragraph:
April 10, 2009
Commentary
Skepticism Doesn't Have to Take the Day Off
We were pleased to see Bill Easterly highlight The Hunger Project, a partner of our's in Ghana, on his blog, Aid Watch. In fact, it wasn't necessary for skepticism to take a full day off because there is a rigorous evaluation of the project underway.
April 9, 2009
Commentary
Measuring Creditworthiness
Banks in the developed world know a lot about applicants before deciding whether or not to lend them money. The transactions take place within a massive flow of detailed financial information including tax returns, credit scores, loan applications, and bank statements. An ocean of personal data follows people throughout their lives and determines their access to credit.
April 9, 2009
Day in the Life
Some news from Mexico that isn´t about drugs
Here in Puebla we are currently conducting the first follow-up survey for an impact evaluation studying a state-sponsored program that aims to spur growth among small businesses. We have spent the past five weeks contacting all the firms in the sample and asking them to participate in a forty-five minute survey to measure the growth, or lack thereof, of the business since the program started 12 months ago. Easier said than done.