Principles for Combining Descriptive and Model-Based Analysis in Applied Microeconomics Research

Neale Mahoney

Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2022, vol. 36, issue 3, 211-22

Abstract: In this article, I offer guidance on how to combine descriptive and model-based empirical analysis within a paper. Drawing on examples from three recently published applied microeconomics papers, I argue that it is important to create a tight link between the descriptive analysis and the bottom-line deliverable of the model-based analysis, and I try to distill some lessons or principles for doing so. I also offer some thoughts on when a paper should start with descriptive analysis and then proceed to model-based analysis and when alternative structures may be desirable.

JEL-codes: C10 G21 G51 H75 I13 I21 J14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1257/jep.36.3.211

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