Core Components
Core components include the functions, principles, and related activities necessary to achieve desired outcomes. They are the parts, features, attributes, or characteristics of a program that influence its success when implemented effectively. They are also referred to as the building blocks of a program’s innovation. In summary, core components are multifaceted and are its constitutive elements, which enable and define its success and effectiveness. Understanding and articulating these components is key to advancing the field of social impact.
The concept of ‘core components’ is at the heart of ‘Impact Science’ at the University of Chicago, a field that focuses on understanding and optimizing the effectiveness of social programs. A crucial dimension of Impact Science is the study of ‘core components’. This approach involves breaking down a program into its fundamental elements on a taxonomical database and examining how each of these contributes to a positive outcome.
We have research and individual RCTs, but we don’t possess a universal language for social science. With a taxonomy, we could cross the lack of standardization. This suddenly provides us with the ability to aggregate knowledge across thousands of studies and research articles, benchmark, compare, and assess the quality of social programs.
This enables a range of next generation capabilities for evidence-based policymaking, social impact research, program design and implementation.
Core Components Library
Core components are the fundamental building blocks of effective social programs and interventions. Rather than focusing on entire program models, core components identify the key elements that drive successful outcomes. By isolating these essential components, researchers and policymakers can create more adaptable, scalable, and evidence-based solutions that can be tailored to different contexts. This approach helps improve the impact and replicability of policies by focusing on what truly works, making it easier to implement and evaluate across various settings. Explore our list of core components mapped to outcome areas.
Core Components Research
By identifying and analyzing the fundamental elements that make programs effective, core components research helps improve scalability, replicability, and overall impact. Explore the latest findings that are shaping evidence-based policymaking and advancing the understanding of what truly drives successful outcomes in the social sector.