Using randomization in development economics research
Subtitle: a toolkit
By: Esther Duflo, Rachel Glennerster [and] Michael Kremer
Contributors: Glennerster, Rachel; Kremer, Michael, 1964-; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Economics
Series: Working paper series / Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Economics -- working paper 06-36; Working paper (Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Economics) -- no. 06-36.
Publisher: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Economics
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 86
Description: 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 setting. Third, it discusses design 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. Keywords: Randomized evaluations, Experiments, Development, Program Evaluation. JEL Classifications: I0, J0, O0, C93.
Notes: "December 12, 2006."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-86).

Abstract in HTML and working paper for download in PDF available via World Wide Web at the Social Science Research Network.