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
Attributed to:
Choices of Evidence. Tacit philosophical assumptions in the debates within the Campbell Collaboration
funded by
AHRC
Abstract
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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