Using Randomization in Development Economics Research: A Toolkit / Esther Duflo, Rachel Glennerster, Michael Kremer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Duflo, Esther.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Glennerster, Rachel.

Kremer, Michael.

Series:

Technical Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. t0333.

NBER technical working paper series no. t0333

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Other Title:

Using Randomization in Development Economics Research

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2006.

Summary:

This paper is a practical guide (a toolkit) for researchers, students and practitioners wishing to introduce randomization as part of a research design in the field. It first covers the rationale for the use of randomization, as a solution to selection bias and a partial solution to publication biases. Second, it discusses various ways in which randomization can be practically introduced in a field settings. Third, it discusses designs issues such as sample size requirements, stratification, level of randomization and data collection methods. Fourth, it discusses how to analyze data from randomized evaluations when there are departures from the basic framework. It reviews in particular how to handle imperfect compliance and externalities. Finally, it discusses some of the issues involved in drawing general conclusions from randomized evaluations, including the necessary use of theory as a guide when designing evaluations and interpreting results.

Notes:

Print version record

December 2006.