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Title: Replicating Experimental Impact Estimates Using a Regression Discontinuity Approach
Description: This NCEE Technical Methods Paper compares the estimated impacts of an educational intervention using experimental and regression discontinuity (RD) study designs. The analysis used data from two large-scale randomized controlled trials—the Education Technology Evaluation and the Teach for America Study—to provide evidence on the performance of RD estimators in two specific contexts. More generally, the report presents and implements a method for examining the performance of RD estimators that could be used in other contexts. The study found that the RD and experimental designs produced impact estimates that were meaningful in size, though not significantly different from one another. The study also found that manipulation of the assignment variable in RD designs can substantially influence RD impact estimates, particularly if manipulation is related to the outcome and occurs close to the assignment variable's cutoff value.
Online Availability:
Cover Date: April 2012
Web Release: April 25, 2012
Publication #: NCEE 20124025
Center/Program: NCEE
Authors:
Type of Product: Technical Methods Report
Keywords:
Questions: For questions about the content of this Technical Methods Report, please contact:
Erin Pollard.