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A protocol for structured robustness reproductions and replicability assessments

Author

Listed:
  • Ankel-Peters, Jörg
  • Brodeur, Abel
  • Dreber, Anna
  • Johannesson, Magnus
  • Neubauer, Florian
  • Rose, Julian

Abstract

Robustness reproductions and replicability discussions are on the rise in response to concerns about a potential credibility crisis in economics. This paper proposes a protocol to structure reproducibility and replicability assessments, with a focus on robustness. Starting with a computational reproduction upon data availability, the protocol encourages replicators to prespecify robustness tests, prior to implementing them. The protocol contains three different reporting tools to streamline the presentation of results. Beyond reproductions, our protocol assesses adherence to the pre-analysis plans in the replicated papers as well as external and construct validity. Our ambition is to put often controversial debates between replicators and replicated authors on a solid basis and contribute to an improved replication culture in economics.

Suggested Citation

  • Ankel-Peters, Jörg & Brodeur, Abel & Dreber, Anna & Johannesson, Magnus & Neubauer, Florian & Rose, Julian, 2024. "A protocol for structured robustness reproductions and replicability assessments," Ruhr Economic Papers 1106, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
  • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:306836
    DOI: 10.4419/96973284
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John P. A. Ioannidis & T. D. Stanley & Hristos Doucouliagos, 2017. "The Power of Bias in Economics Research," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(605), pages 236-265, October.
    2. Vilhuber, Lars, 2023. "Reproducibility and transparency versus privacy and confidentiality: Reflections from a data editor," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 235(2), pages 2285-2294.
    3. Jörg Peters & Jörg Langbein & Gareth Roberts, 2018. "Generalization in the Tropics – Development Policy, Randomized Controlled Trials, and External Validity," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 33(1), pages 34-64.
    4. Bensch, Gunther & Ankel-Peters, Jörg & Vance, Colin, 2023. "Spotlight on Researcher Decisions – Infrastructure Evaluation, Instrumental Variables, and Specification Screening," VfS Annual Conference 2023 (Regensburg): Growth and the "sociale Frage" 277703, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    5. Owen Ozier, 2021. "Replication Redux: The Reproducibility Crisis and the Case of Deworming [Economics of Mass Deworming Programs]," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 36(1), pages 101-130.
    6. Uri Simonsohn & Joseph P. Simmons & Leif D. Nelson, 2020. "Specification curve analysis," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(11), pages 1208-1214, November.
    7. Uri Simonsohn & Joseph P. Simmons & Leif D. Nelson, 2020. "Publisher Correction: Specification curve analysis," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(11), pages 1215-1215, November.
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    2. Bensch, Gunther & Rose, Julian & Brodeur, Abel & Ankel-Peters, Jörg, 2025. "The Robustness Dashboard," I4R Discussion Paper Series 234, The Institute for Replication (I4R).
      • Bensch, Gunther & Rose, Julian & Brodeur, Abel & Ankel-Peters, Jörg, 2025. "The robustness dashboard," Ruhr Economic Papers 1167, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.

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    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General

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