Comparing programmes which achieve similar types of outcomes is hard, but is something we often feel fairly comfortable with. How can we compare and prioritise social programmes that are often very different? Here, we present research and guides for overcoming common problems. For example:
- How valuable is extra work on problems of uncertain difficulty (like research)?
- How should we prioritise activities to mitigate a risk when we do not know when the risk may occur (like climate change)?
- How should we discount benefits that might happen in the future?