Using RCTs in Economic Education Research

Todd Pugatch () and Elizabeth Schroeder ()
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Todd Pugatch: University at Buffalo, SUNY
Elizabeth Schroeder: Oregon State University

No 18018, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have become an essential tool for economists. The credibility revolution in empirical economics emphasizes research designs that identify casual effects, and random assignment of treatment is seen as the gold standard. Implementation can, however, be a challenge in many applications. The field of economic education is in a unique position to learn from RCTs, given the ability to test interventions in the classroom or at educational institutions. We discuss what is needed to run an RCT effectively in an educational setting, drawing from the experimental literature on topics such as student success in higher education and diversity in undergraduate economics. We additionally outline quasi-experimental approaches that can be used when treatment cannot be randomized.

Keywords: economics of education; randomized controlled trial; higher education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I21 I23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-07
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