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- Title
Generalization in the Tropics - Development Policy, Randomized Controlled Trials, and External Validity.
- Authors
Peters, Jörg; Langbein, Jörg; Roberts, Gareth
- Abstract
When properly implemented, Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) achieve a high degree of internal validity. Yet, if an RCT is to inform policy, it is critical to establish external validity. This paper systematically reviews all RCTs conducted in developing countries and published in leading economic journals between 2009 and 2014 with respect to how they deal with external validity. Following Duflo, Glennerster and Kremer (2008), we scrutinize the following hazards to external validity: Hawthorne effects, general equilibrium effects, specific sample problems and special care in treatment provision. Based on a set of objective indicators, we find that the majority of published RCTs does not discuss these hazards and many do not provide the necessary information to assess potential problems. The paper calls for including external validity dimensions in a more systematic reporting on the results of RCTs. Thismay create incentives to avoid overgeneralizing findings and help policymakers to interpret results appropriately.
- Subjects
RANDOMIZED controlled trials; VALIDITY of statistics; HAWTHORNE effect; HEALTH policy; ECONOMIC periodicals
- Publication
World Bank Research Observer, 2018, Vol 33, Issue 1, p34
- ISSN
0257-3032
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/wbro/lkx005