The influence of hidden researcher decisions in applied microeconomics

C-Tier
Journal: Economic Inquiry
Year: 2021
Volume: 59
Issue: 3
Pages: 944-960

Score contribution per author:

0.084 = (α=2.01 / 12 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Researchers make hundreds of decisions about data collection, preparation, and analysis in their research. We use a many‐analysts approach to measure the extent and impact of these decisions. Two published causal empirical results are replicated by seven replicators each. We find large differences in data preparation and analysis decisions, many of which would not likely be reported in a publication. No two replicators reported the same sample size. Statistical significance varied across replications, and for one of the studies the effect's sign varied as well. The standard deviation of estimates across replications was 3–4 times the mean reported standard error.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:ecinqu:v:59:y:2021:i:3:p:944-960
Journal Field
General
Author Count
12
Added to Database
2026-01-24