EMPIRICAL LEGAL STUDIES
Empirical Research and Policy Evaluation
We examine methods to verify the effects of law and policy through data and causal inference.
Perspective of This Topic
A change in an indicator following policy implementation does not necessarily mean that the entire change is due to the policy effect. Empirical research designs appropriate comparisons to estimate outcomes had the policy not existed. Reading the data generation process, sample scope, measurement limitations, and analytical assumptions together is the starting point of this agenda.
Three Axes of Analysis
- Designing comparisons: Identifying differences between treatment and comparison groups, implementation timing, and other factors of change.
- Data suitability: Checking observational units, missing data, selection bias, and measurement error.
- Interpreting results: Distinguishing causal effects from correlations and examining applicability to other environments.
Related Projects and Research Materials
Connected Research Commentary
How Can We Know the Effects of Policies?
Moving from Observed Changes to Causality