The controversy over how much to charge for health products in the developing world rests, part, on whether higher prices can increase use, either by targeting distribution high-use households (a screening effect), or stimulating use psychologically through a sunk-cost effect. We develop methodology separating these two effects. implement field experiment Zambia using door-to-door marketing of home water purification solution. find evidence economically important By contrast, we no...

The promise of randomized controlled trials is that evidence gathered through the evaluation a specific program helps us—possibly after several rounds fine-tuning and multiple replications in different contexts—to inform policy. However, critics have pointed out potential constraint this agenda results from small “proof-of-concept” studies run by nongovernment organizations may not apply to policies can be implemented governments on large scale. After discussing issues, paper describes...

We use the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) mechanism to estimate willingness pay (WTP) for and heterogeneous impacts of clean water technology through a field experiment in Ghana. Although WTP is low relative cost, demand inelastic at prices. Short-run treatment effects are positive throughout distribution. After 1 year, benefits both increasing WTP, with negative on low-WTP households. Combining estimated households’ implies valuations health much smaller than typically used by policy makers....

Previous randomized studies have shown that addressing children's current learning gaps, rather than following an over-ambitious uniform curriculum, can lead to significant gains.In this study, we evaluate a series of efforts scale up the NGO Pratham's approach teaching children according their actual level, in four Indian States.While was previously be extremely effective when implemented with community volunteers outside school, objective these new scale-up evaluations develop model could...

I report the results of a field experiment in Gurgaon, India that offered cash and noncash incentives to learn either children or their parents. While find no evidence identity recipient form reward mattered aggregate, targeted were more effective for initially low-performing while high-performing children. To explore mechanisms behind this result, present model household education production additional empirical consistent with model.

The promise of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is that evidence gathered through the evaluation a specific program helps us — possibly after several rounds fine-tuning and multiple replications in different contexts to inform policy. However, critics have pointed out potential constraint this agenda results from small, NGO-run “proof-of-concept” studies may not apply policies can be implemented by governments on large scale. After discussing issues, paper describes journey original...

We assess the rate of replication for empirical papers in 2010 American Economic Review. Across 70 papers, we find that 29 percent have 1 or more citation partially replicates original result. While only a minority has published replication, majority (60 percent) either robustness test, an extension. Surveying authors within literature, substantial uncertainty over number extant replications.

The promise of randomized controlled trials is that evidence gathered through the evaluation a specific program helps us-possibly after several rounds fine-tuning and multiple replications in different contexts-to inform policy.However, critics have pointed out potential constraint this agenda results from small "proof-of-concept" studies run by nongovernment organizations may not apply to policies can be implemented governments on large scale.After discussing issues, paper describes journey...

Using a randomized field experiment in India, we evaluate the effectiveness of adult literacy and parental involvement interventions improving children's learning. Households were assigned to receive either (language math) classes for mothers, training mothers on how enhance their learning at home, or combination two programs. All three had significant but modest impacts childrens math scores. The also increased mothers' test scores both language math, as well range other outcomes reflecting...

Previous randomized studies have shown that addressing children’s current learning gaps, rather than following an over-ambitious uniform curriculum, can lead to significant gains. In this study, we evaluate a series of efforts scale up the NGO Pratham’s approach teaching children according their actual level, in four Indian States. While was previously be extremely effective when implemented with community volunteers outside school, objective these new scale-up evaluations develop model...

This study compares apartment submarkets within a major European city. The price behavior of the Dublin, Ireland market is tested using hedonic models and aggregate disaggregate data. results strongly indicate that modeling markets at level does result in significant improvements comparison to estimations undertaken an level. particular especially interesting, due introduction fiscal incentives. To fully understand Dublin requires appreciation role played by tax breaks for owner-occupiers...

Abstract This paper examines the conflicting outcomes of government intervention in housing market with particular reference to taxation instruments. The use fiscal policy as a demand-side measure within Irish is discussed. Outcomes include high growth environment, unsustainable house price inflation and pressure on owner occupiers due activities investors. reviews mechanisms advocated under Bacon Reports government's response notably relation stamp duty changes. analysis seeks assess impact...