This paper is a practical guide (a toolkit) for researchers, students and practitioners wishing to introduce randomization as part of a research design in the field. It first covers the rationale for the use of randomization, as a solution to selection bias and a partial solution to publication biases. Second, it discusses various ways in which randomization can be practically introduced in a field settings. Third, it discusses designs issues such as sample size requirements, stratification, level of randomization and data collection methods. Fourth, it discusses how to analyze data from randomized evaluations when there are departures from the basic framework. It reviews in particular how to handle imperfect compliance and externalities. Finally, it discusses some of the issues involved in drawing general conclusions from randomized evaluations, including the necessary use of theory as a guide when designing evaluations and interpreting results.
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Paper provided by National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc in its series NBER Technical Working Papers with number
0333.
Length: Date of creation: Dec 2006 Date of revision: Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberte:0333
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Find related papers by JEL classification: C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General O0 - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth - - General
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