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Discussion Paper Details

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Title: Historical Data: Where to Find Them, How to Use Them

Author(s): Paola Giuliano and Andrea Matranga

Publication Date: October 2020

Keyword(s): censuses, ethnographic data, geographical data and Historical data

Programme Area(s): Economic History

Abstract: The use of historical data has become a standard tool in economics, serving three main purposes: to examine the influence of the past on current economic outcomes; to use unique natural experiments to test modern economic theories; and to use modern economic theories to refine our understanding of important historical events. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the types of historical data most commonly used in economic research and discuss a variety of issues that they raise, such as the constant change in national and administrative borders; the reshuffling of ethnic groups due to migration, colonialism, natural disasters, and many other forces. We also point out which methodological advances allow economists to overcome or minimize these problems.

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Bibliographic Reference

Giuliano, P and Matranga, A. 2020. 'Historical Data: Where to Find Them, How to Use Them'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=15362