The Importance of Thoroughness in the Study of Capital Punishment

3min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Ehrlich's work was based on small samples and predates most of the methods, except for basic regression methods that are highlighted in the book. At a minimum, we'd like to study capital punishment. We would use a state panel, for example. And we'd take out state effects. That is, we would use the differences and differences method. But I don't think any social scientist of my generation would look at Ehrlich's regressions and say they're worth reacting to.

Joshua Angrist of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology talks to EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the craft of econometrics--how to use economic thinking and statistical methods to make sense of data and uncover causation. Angrist argues that improvements in research design along with various econometric techniques have improved the credibility of measurement in a complex world. Roberts pushes back and the conversation concludes with a discussion of how to assess the reliability of findings in controversial public policy areas.