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Bruhn, Miriam, and
David McKenzie. 2009. "In Pursuit of Balance: Randomization in Practice in Development Field Experiments."
,
1(4): 200-232.
Show Article Details
DOI: 10.1257/app.1.4.200
Abstract:We present new evidence on the randomization methods used in existing
experiments, and new simulations comparing these methods.
We
find that many papers do not describe the randomization in detail,
implying that better reporting is needed. Our simulations suggest
that in samples of 300 or more, the different methods perform similarly.
However, for very persistent outcome variables, and in smaller
samples, pair-wise matching and stratification perform best and
appear to dominate the rerandomization methods commonly used in
practice. The simulations also point to specific recommendations for
which variables to balance on, and for which controls to include in
the ex post analysis. (JEL C83, C93, O12)
Additional links:
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Online Appendix
Authors:
Bruhn, Miriam (World Bank)
McKenzie, David (World Bank)
JEL Classifications:
C83: Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
C93: Field Experiments
O12: Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
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