The influence of hidden researcher decisions in applied microeconomics

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 mean reported standard error.

Publisher

Wiley

Publication Date

7-1-2021

Publication Title

Economic Inquiry

Department

Economics

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecin.12992

Keywords

Metascience, Replication, Research

Language

English

Format

text

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS