RDD

How has research featured on VoxDev used different econometric techniques? Here are some examples from recent development economics research, offering insights for students, teachers and academics.

Should we intentionally expose certain areas to higher risks to protect broader regions from disasters? Evidence from China suggests that although areas specifically designated to bear higher flood risk experience economic losses, the overall economic benefit-to-cost ratio can still be greater than one.

How should policymakers design environmental markets when they might attract participants who were planning to conserve the environment regardless of the market?

Evidence from an elite university in Brazil that began reserving 45% of its admission slots for low-income and minority applicants shows that the policy increased early-career earnings for disadvantaged students, yet it also reduced the earnings of their higher-scoring peers.

While vouchers may provide students with more choice, private schools may respond by changing tuition fees, affecting those without vouchers. Examining India’s school voucher programme sheds light on how governments can improve school voucher programmes for primary education.

Ethnic politics in Africa shapes employment patterns, boosting agricultural jobs when ethnic groups gain political representation

Evidence from the Amazon highlights the crucial role of policy continuity and political commitment to achieving sustainable conservation outcomes

Electronic payment cards leave a digital trail that can be used for tax enforcement, but tax compliance may not increase if firms also trade in cash

The economic benefits of expanding electricity access likely do not outweigh the costs in small rural villages, but likely do in larger communities.