Evidence-based policy commends randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as gold-standard evidence for predictions about whether policies will ÒworkÓ (so-called Òeffectiveness predictionsÓ), and largely because RCTs establish causal conclusions without need for theory. But what makes RCTs evidence for effectiveness at all? A usual label for this problem, Òexternal validity,Ó conceals a host of problems and a productive answer. This chapter employs Achinstein's formula, Òevidential relevance = explana

Bibliographic Information

Type: Book Chapter

Book Title: Philosophy of Science Matters: The Philosophy of Peter Achinstein (2011)

Page Reference: 15-28

ISBN: 978-0-19-973862-5