When and how can we find causation without randomisation?

Michael Sanders, Julia Ellingwood and Vanessa Hirneis

Chapter 7 in Experimental Methods and Children's Social Care, 2025, pp 77-85 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Abstract: This chapter explores the potential of quasi-experimental designs (QEDs) in establishing causal relationships in children's social care when randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are not feasible or ethical. It discusses various scenarios where randomisation is impractical, such as large-scale interventions or urgent, life-threatening situations. The chapter outlines different QED methods, including matching and difference-in-differences approaches, highlighting their assumptions and limitations. It provides examples of quasi-experimental evaluations, including studies on the ‘Signs of Safety’ model and interventions aimed at reducing homelessness among care leavers. The chapter argues for the cautious yet optimistic use of QEDs in situations where RCTs are not possible, emphasising the need for rigorous, evidence-based approaches to understand the impact of social care interventions.

Keywords: Quasi-experimental designs; Randomised controlled trials; Children's social care; Causal inference; Evidence-based practice; Evaluation methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035327140
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