ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the utilization of textual data as a tool for evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of development interventions. Textual data, encompassing diverse sources such as internal documents, websites, and social media, emerges as an invaluable resource, unlocking insights beyond traditional data. Despite its advantages, challenges arise from the inherent complexity of natural language. The chapter investigates the application of text data within the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank Group. It concludes with reflections on the challenges and opportunities in using textual data for evaluation, underscoring the importance of continual adaptation to address the evolving complexities in this dynamic field.
