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Which tests not witch hunts: a diagnostic approach for conducting replication research

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  • Brown, Annette N.
  • Wood, Benjamin Douglas Kuflick

Abstract

This paper provides researchers with an objective list of checks to consider when planning a replication study with the objective of validating findings for informing policy. These replication studies should begin with a pure replication of the published results and then reanalyse the original data to address the original research question. The author presents tips for replication exercises in four categories: validity of assumptions, data transformations, estimation methods, and heterogeneous impacts. For each category he offers an introduction, a tips checklist, some examples of how these checks have been employed, and a set of resources that provide statistical and econometric details.

Suggested Citation

  • Brown, Annette N. & Wood, Benjamin Douglas Kuflick, 2017. "Which tests not witch hunts: a diagnostic approach for conducting replication research," Economics Discussion Papers 2017-77, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwedp:201777
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    Cited by:

    1. Wood, Benjamin Douglas Kuflick & Vasquez, Maria, 2018. "Microplots and food security: Encouraging replication studies of policy relevant research," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 12, pages 1-12.
    2. Reed, W. Robert, 2019. "Takeaways from the special issue on The Practice of Replication," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 13, pages 1-11.
    3. Owen, P. Dorian, 2018. "Replication to assess statistical adequacy," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 12, pages 1-16.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Replication; diagnostic; validation; impact evaluation; reanalysis; risk of bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General

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