Standards for Evaluating Impact in Entrepreneurship Education Research: Using a Descriptive Validity Framework to Enhance Methodological Rigor and Transparency

Abstract

Given calls for more rigorous research able to measure the impact of entrepreneurship education, this study proposes guidelines for enhancing methodological and reporting practices. First, drawing on prior research syntheses, we developed a descriptive validity framework that outlines key elements for rigorous evaluation research. Second, we use this framework to examine 61 quantitative, university-based entrepreneurship education impact studies to identify and describe methodological and reporting practices that are most prevalent. The result is a set of Impact Evaluation Research Standards for entrepreneurship educators and scholars wishing to improve education evaluation research.