Evaluating the impact of longitudinal research

Evaluating what research achieves is always challenging given the diverse pathways for outcomes and related impact.  Therefore, longitudinal research lasting an extended period presents unique and real methodological challenges. This presentation will discuss the application of contribution analysis to a recent evaluation of the Young Lives Research programme, which is the first comparative, longitudinal, mixed-methods study of children in developing countries. Spanning over 15 years, Young Lives’ use of longitudinal research has allowed for an assessment of how poverty affects children’s lives in the 21st century, in the areas of school effectiveness, nutrition and health, and gender, adolescence and youth. It has followed 12,000 children in two age groups across four countries (Ethiopia, Peru, India and Vietnam). This is an evaluation of the outcomes and impact of Young Lives’ research and research uptake from 2010 to 2013 in all of the study countries. The seminar reviews the findings of the evaluation, discusses methodology and draws conclusions on contribution analysis and related approaches.