An introduction to the principles for assessing the quality of evidence

An introduction to the principles for assessing the quality of evidence

Published Jan 2013

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All organisations strive to base decisions on the evidence of what actually works well. NGOs are no different. This brief from Bond provides a set of principles designed by NGOs, for NGOs that aim to set a common standard for the assessing the quality of evidence of NGO performance:

The five principles:

  • voice and Inclusion: the perspectives of people living in poverty, including the most marginalised, are included in the evidence, and a clear picture is provided of who is affected and how
  • appropriateness: the evidence is generated through methods that are justifiable given the nature of the purpose of the assessment
  • triangulation: the evidence has been generated using a mix of methods, data sources, and perspectives
  • contribution: the evidence explores how change happens and the contribution of the intervention and factors outside the intervention in explaining change
  • transparency: the evidence discloses the details of the data sources and methods used, the results achieved, and any limitations in the data or conclusions

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