PEPA research projects will address the following questions:

1. A reassessment of the ERA

Can non-experimental methods replicate the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs)?

How can we combine results from RCTs with models of labour market behaviour?

How do general equilibrium effects alter estimated impacts of training programmes?

2. Improving inference for policy evaluation

What are the correct inference and power calculations where data have multi -level structure and serially correlated shocks?

What is the correct inference when policy impacts are complex functions of estimated parameters?

What is the effect of time-limited in-work benefits on job retention?

3. Control functions in policy evaluation

What is the link between control functions and structural or behavioural models?

Can we weaken the control function approach to estimate bounds on treatment effect?

How are lessons from multiple evaluations best synthesised?

4. Combining quasi-experimental methods with dynamic behavioural models

How can we best use ex post evaluations in ex ante analysis?

How do life-cycle time limits on welfare receipt affect behaviour?

How are education decisions affected by labour market policies?

5. Social networks and programme evaluation

How can we best collect data on social networks?

How and why is the impact of policy affected by social networks?

Can social networks explain heterogeneity in the impact of a health intervention?