A randomized controlled trial, or an “RCT," is often regarded as the gold standard for effective and unbiased research.
Our approach
By comparing a group of people who received a $1000 monthly cash transfer for three years to an otherwise identical group of people who did not, we can isolate and quantify its effects.
RCTs split an otherwise identical group of people into two smaller groups at random. For our study, a high cash group received an unconditional cash transfer of $1000 per month, while a low cash group received $50 per month.
Research design
At the heart of our research exists a comprehensive mixed-method research design.
We employ a unique and symbiotic approach to understanding the effects of unconditional cash transfers by simultaneously collecting both quantitative data from surveys, administrative records, and bank transactions (among other sources), and qualitative data from semi-structured, open-ended interviews with a subset of participants.
Key quantitative data collection phases were conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the program along with monthly surveys and rotating app activities. This allowed us to collected extensive data on the effects of unconditional cash on children, cognition, employment, financial health, physical and mental health, intrahousehold dynamics, material hardship, mobility, politics, social behaviors, and time use.
To date, we have qualitative data from five in-depth interview rounds on individual experiences, circumstances, and decision-making processes.
By combining these methods, our study can establish statistically significant associations and correlations while also exploring the “how” and “why” behind observations. For instance, where quantitative survey data demonstrates whether unconditional cash transfers affect the number of hours someone works, qualitative interview data reveals nuanced personal situations driving employment decisions such as familial obligations, debilitating illnesses, or a systemic lack of transportation.
At the time of enrollment:
Participants
3000
Overall Response Rate at Endline
96%
Qualitative Participants
155
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Comprehensive data across topics
External data sources
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Bank account and credit card transaction data
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Geospatial neighborhood quality data
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Credit records from Experian
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Postsecondary education records from National Student Clearinghouse
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Crime records on arrests and convictions
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Vehicle valuations
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Mortality and hospital discharge records
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Income data from Census and UI quarterly wage records
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National voter records
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State-level K-12 education records
Research as a public good
At OpenResearch, we strive to share findings on pivotal questions of our time with the world at large.
OpenResearch is a nonprofit research organization conducting interdisciplinary research to fill significant knowledge gaps, leveraging startup-like creativity to discover new insights.
From methodology to results, we partner with individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions to achieve and communicate the most comprehensive and nuanced outcomes.