Limitations of Relying Solely on Rigorous Evidence

Relying exclusively on rigorous evidence, such as randomized controlled trials, for policymaking in development economics is a flawed approach. While rigorous evidence can provide valuable insights, it should not overshadow traditional methods like ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates, which can be more applicable in certain contexts. For example, in selecting the appropriate approach for understanding the impact of education systems, evaluating the local context and inherent biases can result in better predictions than relying solely on averaged results from systematic reviews. This suggests that the emphasis on testing the external validity of experimental findings may lead to misguided decisions that overlook critical local information.