Strategies to Increase Endorsement of Evaluation Use: Insights from South Africa

Strategies to Increase Endorsement of Evaluation Use: Insights from South Africa
Abstract: Literature and D4I’s primary research have identified multiple barriers to the use of evidence, including the use of evaluation findings from USAID’s global health programs. Evidence based on qualitative research often faces additional skepticism, with some decision makers prioritizing quantitative evidence over qualitative because they view it as more credible and objective.

Precisely because so many factors impact the perception of research, modifying the presentation and framing of information regarding research, including evaluations, may be an effective tactic for increasing evidence use. This study sought to explore whether messages can change people’s perceptions of evaluation findings in a way that increases their willingness to endorse the use of evidence for decision making. The study used an experimental design to examine messages addressing the challenges of: (1) qualitative evidence being viewed as less trustworthy or of a lower quality than quantitative research, and (2) perceptions of evaluators impacting perceptions of the credibility and quality of evaluation evidence.

The study was conducted in South Africa, with the primary audience being USAID and the secondary audience being implementing partners. The aim was to help those producing or disseminating global health evaluation evidence describe evaluations in a way that supports evidence use.
Shortname: SR-24-223
Author(s): Agata Slota, Afroditi Tsourgianni, and Lucinda Jones
Year: 2024
Language: English
Region(s): SOUTH AFRICA