How-To Guide: Understanding Effect Sizes in Programme Evaluations and Research

Effect sizes provide a standardised metric to describe the practical significance of observed effects, independent of sample size. Effect sizes are particularly valuable for comparing study results and interpreting practical implications. Effect sizes can also be unstandardised, which means that they are reported in their original scale.

Researchers and practitioners can use this information to make informed decisions about the practical implications of their findings.

Authors: Andrew Dawes (University of Cape Town), Junita Henry (DataDrive2030)

Published: June 2023

Download the How-To Guide here.

The Using Data to Drive Change How-To Guides offer direction for ELOM users on a range of topics from field work planning and monitoring to how to interpret and use ELOM data. All How-To Guides in the series can be used independently of each other.