A tracer study is a methodological approach that follows a defined cohort, entity, or process over time to track outcomes, pathways, and causal linkages using identifiable “tracers” (e.g., individuals, molecules, interventions, or records). In applied research and program evaluation, tracer studies systematically collect longitudinal or retrospective data to assess the implementation, effectiveness, and downstream effects of policies, training programs, or services. Core methodological elements include cohort definition, tracer selection, follow-up strategies (surveys, record linkage, or monitoring systems), and analytic techniques to characterize trajectories, outcome distributions, and attrition patterns, often informing impact assessment, quality assurance, and system performance monitoring.
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