EconPapers    
Economics at your fingertips  
 

Binned scatterplots: A simple tool to make research easier and better

Evan Starr and Brent Goldfarb

Strategic Management Journal, 2020, vol. 41, issue 12, 2261-2274

Abstract: Research Summary We seek to diffuse a graphical tool—binned scatterplots—which we argue can dramatically improve the quality and speed of research in strategic management. In contrast to the current practice of showing plots of predicted values, binned scatterplots graph the nonparametric relationship between two variables, either unconditionally or conditional on a set of controls, for multiple subgroups. This allows researchers to quickly detect the shape of that relationship, examine outliers, and assess which part of the support may be driving a relationship. We propose that the adoption of binned scatterplots will lead to the identification of new and interesting phenomena, raise the credibility of empirical research, and help create richer theories. Managerial Summary Regression analysis often assumes linear or quadratic relationship forms between two variables. We seek to diffuse a graphical tool—binned scatterplots—that allow the researcher and reader to evaluate whether such assumptions are maintained throughout the data. For example, binned scatterplots may clarify that a regression relationship is nonlinear, or driven by an exceptional firm or a small set of firms. We propose that using binned scatterplots will improve the transparency and quality of empirical work, as well as aid in the development of new phenomena and enhance theory development.

Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

Downloads: (external link)
https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3199

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:stratm:v:41:y:2020:i:12:p:2261-2274

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.blackwell ... bs.asp?ref=0143-2095

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Strategic Management Journal from Wiley Blackwell
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Wiley Content Delivery ().

 
Page updated 2025-03-19
Handle: RePEc:bla:stratm:v:41:y:2020:i:12:p:2261-2274