When Second Best is Good Enough: A Comparison Between a True Experiment and a Regression Discontinuity Quasi-Experiment

• NCJ Number: 231503
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 191-208
• Author(s): Richard Berk; Geoffrey Barnes; Lindsay Ahlman; Ellen Kurtz
• Date Published: June 2010
• Length: 18 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Smith Richardson Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper compares the results from a randomized clinical trial to the results from a regression discontinuity quasi-experiment when both designs are implemented in the same setting.

Abstract

The study found that the results from the two approaches are effectively identical. The authors attribute the comparability in part to recent statistical developments that make the model required for the analysis of data from a regression discontinuity design easier to determine. These developments make an already strong quasi-experimental design even stronger. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)