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Historical Data: Where to Find Them, How to Use Them

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  • Giuliano, Paola
  • Matranga, Andrea

Abstract

The use of historical data has become a standard tool in economics, serving three main purposes: to examine the influence of the past on current economic outcomes; to use unique natural experiments to test modern economic theories; and to use modern economic theories to refine our understanding of important historical events. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the types of historical data most commonly used in economic research and discuss a variety of issues that they raise, such as the constant change in national and administrative borders; the reshuffling of ethnic groups due to migration, colonialism, natural disasters, and many other forces. We also point out which methodological advances allow economists to overcome or minimize these problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuliano, Paola & Matranga, Andrea, 2020. "Historical Data: Where to Find Them, How to Use Them," CEPR Discussion Papers 15362, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15362
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Kremer, 2022. "Home is where the history is: How today's migration in Germany is shaped by regional identity," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 62(2), pages 604-638, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Historical data; Geographical data; Ethnographic data; Censuses;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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