Regression discontinuity designs: a hands-on guide for practice. (27th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valentim, Vicente; Ruipérez Núñez, Ana; Dinas, Elias
• Editors: Curini, Luigi; Damonte, Alessia
• Is Part Of: Italian political science review =. Volume 51:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2021-07-27
• Subjects: Causal inference -- fuzzy RD -- political methodology -- sharp RD -- teaching statistics; 320
• DOI: 10.1017/ipo.2021.27
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-8402

Abstract

Abstract: Regression discontinuity (RD) designs have become increasingly popular in political science, due to their ability to showcase causal effects under weak assumptions. This paper provides an intuition-based guide for the use of the RD in applied research. After an intuitive explanation of how the method works, we provide a checklist that can help researchers understand the main robustness checks they should run, and a quick introduction to software implementing the design. We also provide a list of classic designs and examples of their application in political science. We hope this article can constitute a stepping stone from which researchers interested in RD can jump to more advanced literature; and which makes researchers not interested in implementing RDs better consumers of research employing this design.