Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/21453 
Year of Publication: 
2003
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 786
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper uses administrative data from Missouri to examine the sensitivity of job training program impact estimates based on alternative nonexperimental methods. In addition to simple regression adjustment, we consider Mahalanobis distance matching and a variety of methods using propensity score matching. In each case, we consider estimates based on levels of post-program earnings as well as difference-in-difference estimates based on comparison of pre- and post-program earnings. Specification tests suggest that the difference-in-difference estimator may provide a better measure of program impact. We find that propensity score matching is generally most effective, but the detailed implementation of the method is not of critical importance. Our analyses demonstrate that existing data available at the state level can be used to obtain useful estimates of program impact.
Subjects: 
program evaluation
matching
job training
JEL: 
C1
J6
J2
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
570.02 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.