Matching the Gold Standard: Comparing Experimental and Nonexperimental Evaluation Techniques for a Geographically Targeted Program

Handa, Sudhanshu; & Maluccio, John A. (2010). Matching the Gold Standard: Comparing Experimental and Nonexperimental Evaluation Techniques for a Geographically Targeted Program. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 58(3), 415-47.

Reference Type:
Journal Article

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Author(s):
Handa, Sudhanshu
Maluccio, John A.

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Year Published:
2010

Date Published:

Journal Name:
Economic Development and Cultural Change

Volume Number:
58

Issue Number:
3

Start Page Number:
415-47

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DOI:
10.1086/650421

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Reference ID:
3701

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Abstract:

We compare nonexperimental impact estimates based on matching methods with those from a randomized evaluation to determine whether the nonexperimental approach can “match” the so-called gold standard. The social experiment we use was carried out to evaluate a geographically targeted conditional cash transfer antipoverty program in Nicaragua. The outcomes we assess include several components of household expenditure and a variety of children’s health outcomes, including breast-feeding, vaccinations, and morbidity. We find that using each of the following improves performance of matching for these outcomes: (1) geographically proximate comparison samples, (2) stringent common support requirements, and (3) both geographic- and household-level matching variables. Even for a geographically targeted program, in which the selection is at the geographic, rather than at the individual or household level, and in which it is not possible to find comparison individuals or households in the program locales, matching can perform reasonably well. The results also suggest that the techniques may be more promising for evaluating the more easily measured individual-level binary outcomes than for outcomes that are more difficult to measure, such as expenditure.

Keyword(s):
Fertility, Families, and Children
Population and Health Policies and Programs

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/650421

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Citation:

Handa, Sudhanshu; & Maluccio, John A. (2010). Matching the Gold Standard: Comparing Experimental and Nonexperimental Evaluation Techniques for a Geographically Targeted Program. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 58(3), 415-47.