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Title: The Influence of Hidden Researcher Decisions in Applied Microeconomics

Citation Type: Working Paper

Publication Year: 2020

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Abstract: Researchers make hundreds of decisions about data collection, preparation, and analysis in their research. We use a many-analysts approach to measure the extent and impact of these decisions. Two published causal empirical results are replicated by seven replicators each. We find large differences in data preparation and analysis decisions, many of which would not likely be reported in a publication. No two replicators reported the same sample size. Statistical significance varied across replications, and for one of the studies the effect’s sign varied as well. The standard deviation of estimates across replications was 3-4 times the typical reported standard error.

Url: https://ftp.iza.org/dp13233.pdf

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Authors: Huntington-Klein, Nick; Arenas, Andreu; Beam, Emily; Bertoni, Marco; Bloem, Jeffrey R; Burli, Pralhad; Chen, Naibin; Greico, Paul; Ekpe, Godwin; Pugatch, Todd; Saavedra, Martin; Stopnitzky, Yaniv

Series Title: IZA DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES

Publication Number: 13233

Institution: Institute of Labor Economics

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Publisher Location: Bonn, Germany

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Methodology and Data Collection

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