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Methods Matter: p-Hacking and Publication Bias in Causal Analysis in Economics

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  • Abel Brodeur
  • Nikolai Cook
  • Anthony Heyes

Abstract

The credibility revolution in economics has promoted causal identification using randomized control trials (RCT), difference-in-differences (DID), instrumental variables (IV) and regression discontinuity design (RDD). Applying multiple approaches to over 21,000 hypothesis tests published in 25 leading economics journals, we find that the extent of p-hacking and publication bias varies greatly by method. IV (and to a lesser extent DID) are particularly problematic. We find no evidence that (i) papers published in the Top 5 journals are different to others; (ii) the journal "revise and resubmit" process mitigates the problem; (iii) things are improving through time.

Suggested Citation

  • Abel Brodeur & Nikolai Cook & Anthony Heyes, 2020. "Methods Matter: p-Hacking and Publication Bias in Causal Analysis in Economics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 110(11), pages 3634-3660, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:110:y:2020:i:11:p:3634-60
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20190687
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection

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    1. Methods Matter: p-Hacking and Publication Bias in Causal Analysis in Economics (AER 2020) in ReplicationWiki
    2. Meta-Research in Economics

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