Assessing the Performance of Matching Algorithms When Selection into Treatment Is Strong

Boris Augurzky () and Jochen Kluve ()

No 1301, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This paper investigates the method of matching regarding two crucial implementation choices, the distance measure and the type of algorithm. We implement optimal full matching – a fully efficient algorithm – and present a framework for statistical inference. The implementation uses data from the NLSY79 to study the effect of college education on earnings. We find that decisions regarding the matching algorithm depend on the structure of the data: In the case of strong selection into treatment and treatment effect heterogeneity a full matching seems preferable. If heterogeneity is weak, pair matching suffices.

Keywords: optimal full matching; selection into treatment; matching algorithms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C14 C61 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 39 pages
Date: 2004-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp and nep-ecm
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

Published - published in: Journal of Applied Econometrics, 2006, 22 (3), 533-557

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Related works:
Journal Article: Assessing the performance of matching algorithms when selection into treatment is strong (2007)
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