The use of Bayesian networks for realist evaluation of complex interventions: evidence for prevention of human trafficking

Ligia Kiss (), David Fotheringhame, Joelle Mak, Alys McAlpine and Cathy Zimmerman
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Ligia Kiss: University College London
Joelle Mak: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Alys McAlpine: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Cathy Zimmerman: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Journal of Computational Social Science, 2021, vol. 4, issue 1, No 2, 25-48

Abstract: Abstract Complex systems and realist evaluation offer promising approaches for evaluating social interventions. These approaches take into account the complex interplay among factors to produce outcomes, instead of attempting to isolate single causes of observed effects. This paper explores the use of Bayesian networks (BNs) in realist evaluation of interventions to prevent complex social problems. It draws on the example of the theory-based evaluation of the Work in Freedom Programme (WIF), a large UK-funded anti-trafficking intervention by the International Labour Organisation in South Asia. We used BN to explore causal pathways to human trafficking using data from 519 Nepalese returnee migrants. The findings suggest that risks of trafficking are mostly determined by migrants’ destination country, how they are recruited and in which sector they work. These findings challenge widely held assumptions about individual-level vulnerability and emphasize that future investments will benefit from approaches that recognise the complexity of an intervention’s causal mechanisms in social contexts. BNs are a useful approach for the conceptualisation, design and evaluation of complex social interventions.

Keywords: Complex systems; Realist evaluation; Bayesian network; Human trafficking; Forced labour; Nepal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s42001-020-00067-8

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