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

Author

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  • Paola Giuliano
  • Andrea Matranga

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

  • Paola Giuliano & Andrea Matranga, 2020. "Historical Data: Where to Find Them, How to Use Them," NBER Working Papers 27967, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:27967
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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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    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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