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An Adaptive Targeted Field Experiment: Job Search Assistance for Refugees in Jordan

Author

Listed:
  • A Stefano Caria
  • Grant Gordon
  • Maximilian Kasy
  • Simon Quinn
  • Soha Osman Shami
  • Alexander Teytelboym

Abstract

We introduce an adaptive targeted treatment assignment methodology for field experiments. Our Tempered Thompson Algorithm balances the goals of maximizing the precision of treatment effect estimates and maximizing the welfare of experimental participants. A hierarchical Bayesian model allows us to adaptively target treatments. We implement our methodology in Jordan, testing policies to help Syrian refugees and local jobseekers to find work. The immediate employment impacts of a small cash grant, information and psychological support are small, but targeting raises employment by 1 percentage-point (20%). After 4 months, cash has a sizable effect on employment and earnings of Syrians.

Suggested Citation

  • A Stefano Caria & Grant Gordon & Maximilian Kasy & Simon Quinn & Soha Osman Shami & Alexander Teytelboym, 2024. "An Adaptive Targeted Field Experiment: Job Search Assistance for Refugees in Jordan," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 22(2), pages 781-836.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:22:y:2024:i:2:p:781-836.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeea/jvad067
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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