Assessing the case for social experiments

Article Abstract:

Two alternative approaches to policy evaluation have been pitted against each other in recent academic debates. The first is the 'experimental' approach, which is based on the random assignment of accepted program applicants to a treatment group and a control group. The second is the 'nonexperimental' approach, which uses a variety of microdata sources, behavioral models and statistical methods. The central question of whether or not randomized social experiments aid in obtaining answers to basic questions regarding the evaluation of social programs is addressed.

Analysis, Social policy

---

Detecting discrimination

Article Abstract:

Racial discrimination in American society is not as rampant as some economists would claim. What these economists think as racial discrimination might be disparities in market outcomes. Market discrimination does not necessarily mean racial discrimination. Evidence shows that most of the income inequality between blacks and whites during the 1990s can be attributed to differences in skills and not to discrimination within the labor market. Thus, discrimination in employment alone is not a causal factor in the economic disparities between blacks and whites.

Social aspects, Economic aspects, African Americans, Labor market, Employment discrimination, Race discrimination

---

The empirical foundations of calibration

Article Abstract:

Economists of the real business cycle school view calibration as an empirical method for the micro estimation of the macroeconomic phenomenon. This helps in supplementing general equilibrium theory as an empirical counterpart and to make the output of the empirical models more accurate. The experiments of Frisch, Tinbergen, and Kydland show that the calibration methods produce more accurate micro empirical estimates and point out the actual gap in the estimate.

Research, Usage, Calibration, Macroeconomics, Empiricism

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Forecasting in the presence of large shocks. The economic effects of immigration-a dynamic analysis
• Abstracts: The importance of the loss function in option valuation. Why do some firms give stock options to all employees?: an empirical examination of alternative theories
• Abstracts: Proposals to restructure social security. Structural reform of social security. Saving social security
• Abstracts: Lessons from the debt-deflation theory of sudden stops. The evolution of a global climate change agreement. Tax-motivated trading by individual investors
• Abstracts: Grandstanding in the venture capital industry. The timing of initial public offerings. IPOs, acquisitions, and the use of convertible securities in venture capital

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.