The evolving ethics of analysis, publication, and transparency in applied economics

Credible economic research demands discipline and defensible modeling assumptions—both theoretical and empirical—but incentives to strategically shape findings (e.g., p‐hack) can be strong. We examine recent waves of empiricism in economics and the ethical concerns and responses they prompted. Statistical abuses that opportunistically search for significance are often inseparable from conceptual abuses of opportunistic model identification (i.e., p‐hacking writ large). We compare neoclassical with positivist hacking proclivities and explore associated implications for empirical analysis and peer review. Drawing on our experiences, 25 years apart, as AJAE editors we reflect on efforts to evaluate research quality and enhance research transparency.