published in: Review of Economics and Statistics, 2007, 89 (4), 761–783.
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.
We use cookies to provide you with an optimal website experience. This includes cookies that are necessary for the operation of the site as well as cookies that are only used for anonymous statistical purposes, for comfort settings or to display personalized content. You can decide for yourself which categories you want to allow. Please note that based on your settings, you may not be able to use all of the site's functions.
Cookie settings
These necessary cookies are required to activate the core functionality of the website. An opt-out from these technologies is not available.
In order to further improve our offer and our website, we collect anonymous data for statistics and analyses. With the help of these cookies we can, for example, determine the number of visitors and the effect of certain pages on our website and optimize our content.