Citation

Discussion Paper Details

Please find the details for DP8294 in an easy to copy and paste format below:

Full Details   |   Bibliographic Reference

Full Details

Title: Sensitivity of matching-based program evaluations to the availability of control variables

Author(s): Michael Lechner and Conny Wunsch

Publication Date: March 2011

Keyword(s): active labour market policies, job search assistance, matching estimation and Training

Programme Area(s): Labour Economics

Abstract: Based on new, exceptionally informative and large German linked employer-employee administrative data, we investigate the question whether the omission of important control variables in matching estimation leads to biased impact estimates of typical active labour market programs for the unemployed. Such biases would lead to false policy conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of these expensive policies. Using newly developed Empirical Monte Carlo Study methods, we find that besides standard personal characteristics, information on individual health and firm characteris-tics of the last employer are particularly important for selection correction. Moreover, it is important to account for past performance on the labour market in a very detailed and flexible way. Information on job search behaviour, timing of unemployment and program start, as well as detailed regional characteristics are also relevant.

For full details and related downloads, please visit: https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=8294

Bibliographic Reference

Lechner, M and Wunsch, C. 2011. 'Sensitivity of matching-based program evaluations to the availability of control variables'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=8294