Natural and Quasi-Experiments in Economics

1995/04/01 by Breed D. Meyer, B. D. Meyer · 4 citations
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Mathematics · Social Sciences · #Advanced Causal Inference Techniques #Economic and Environmental Valuation #Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

paper · doi:10.1080/07350015.1995.10524589

openalex publication_date 1995/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

Using research designs patterned after randomized experiments, many recent economic studies examine outcome measures for treatment groups and comparison groups that are not randomly assigned. By using variation in explanatory variables generated by changes in state laws, government draft mechanisms, or other means, these studies obtain variation that is readily examined and is plausibly exogenous. This article describes the advantages of these studies and suggests how they can be improved. It also provides aids in judging the validity of inferences that they draw. Design complications such as multiple treatment and comparison groups and multiple preintervention or postintervention observations are advocated.

Citations

• Qualifying for Unemployment Insurance: An Empirical Analysis
• A Reconsideration of Investment Behavior Using Tax Reforms as Natural Experiments
• Unemployment Insurance and Unemployment Spells
• Using the Longitudinal Structure of Earnings to Estimate the Effect of Training Programs

Cited by

• The Credibility Revolution in Empirical Economics: How Better Research Design is Taking the Con out of Econometrics
• The Impact of Transit-oriented Development on Housing Prices in San Diego, CA
• Parental Consent for Abortion and the Judicial Bypass Option in Arkansas: Effects and Correlates
• International evidence on state ownership and trade credit: Opportunities and motivations