Strategies for Dealing with the Problem of Non-overlapping Units of Assignment and Outcome Measurement in Field Experiments

Ana L. De La O and Daniel Rubenson
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Ana L. De La O: Yale University
Daniel Rubenson: Ryerson University, Toronto

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 2010, vol. 628, issue 1, 189-199

Abstract: Researchers conducting field experiments are sometimes faced with the challenge of analyzing field experiment results when the unit of assignment does not coincide with the unit of outcome measurement. For example, in electoral research, election results may be reported at a level of geography defined by electoral law, while the assignment of treatment can be made only at a level of geography different from this. Using examples from field experiments conducted in Canada and Mexico, we describe this problem and its consequences for analysis and interpretation of field experiment data and results. We also offer a number of practical solutions analysts can employ when faced with non-overlapping units of assignment and outcome measure in field experiments.

Keywords: causal inference; field experiments; treatment density; failure-to-treat; SUTVA; non-overlapping units (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:anname:v:628:y:2010:i:1:p:189-199

DOI: 10.1177/0002716209351525

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