Reasons for policy experimentation that have nothing to do with selection bias

Cyrus Samii

World Development, 2020, vol. 127, issue C

Abstract: The conventional case in favor of policy experimentation focuses on how randomization controls selection bias. This is undoubtedly important. This essay focuses on additional benefits from experimentation that are completely distinct from controlling selection bias. These benefits derive directly from the fact that experimentation involves actively intervening to assign policy treatments. Experimentation “puts manipulability to the test” in ways that passive observation does not, and it allows for deeply engaged learning about policy formulation and implementation that ex post analyses miss.

Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:127:y:2020:i:c:s0305750x19304747

DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104825

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