Randomization and Social Policy Evaluation Revisited

James Heckman

No 107, NBER Technical Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper considers the evidence on the effectiveness and limitations of randomized controlled trials in economics. I revisit my previous paper "Randomization and Social Policy Evaluation" and update its message. I present a brief history of randomization in economics and identify two waves of enthusiasm for the method as "Two Awakenings" because of the near-religious zeal associated with both waves. I briefly summarize the lessons of the first wave and forecast the same lessons will be learned in the second wave.

Date: 1991-07
Note: LS
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Published as in Florent Bédécarrats, Isabelle Guérin and François Roubaud (Eds.), Randomized controlled trials in the field of development: a critical perspective , Oxford University Press.

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Related works:
Working Paper: Randomization and Social Policy Evaluation Revisited (2020)
Working Paper: Randomization and Social Policy Evaluation Revisited (2020)
Working Paper: Randomization and Social Policy Evaluation Revisited (2020)
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