Regression Discontinuity Designs in the Econometrics Literature

Abstract:Many decades after being introduced by Thistlewaite and Campbell (1960), regression discontinuity designs have become an important tool for causal inference in social sciences. Researchers have found the methods to be widely applicable in settings where eligibility or incentives for participation in programs is at least partially regulated. Alongside, and motivated by, the many studies applying regression discontinuity methods there have been a number of methodological studies improving our understanding, and implementation, of, these methods. Here I report on some of the recent advances in the econometrics literature.