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Estimating the Impact of Targeted Public Policies with Limited Data

Author

Listed:
  • Kelly M. Jones
  • Mayra Pineda-Torres

Abstract

Many public policies aim to support (or change the behavior of) a specific, targeted sub-group of the population. To measure the causal impacts of such policies, social scientists use quasi-experimental methods of policy evaluation, but are often hampered by data availability issues, especially regarding targeted populations, who are often disadvantaged and/or vulnerable. We use power calculations to quantify the challenge of detecting a policy’s impact on a small minority population based on population level data, using the impact of abortion bans on economic welfare as an example. We provide insight into this challenge and a roadmap for how researchers can calculate, ex-ante, whether their study is sufficiently powered to detect reasonably meaningful effect sizes.

Suggested Citation

  • Kelly M. Jones & Mayra Pineda-Torres, 2026. "Estimating the Impact of Targeted Public Policies with Limited Data," NBER Working Papers 35894, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35894
    Note: CH EH PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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