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A Preanalysis Plan to Replicate Sixty Economics Research Papers That Worked Half of the Time

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  • Andrew C. Chang
  • Phillip Li

Abstract

We attempted to replicate 67 macroeconomic papers using author-provided data and code files by following a preanalysis plan. Excluding 6 papers that used confidential data, we obtained data and code replication files for 29 of 35 papers (83 percent) that were required to provide such files as a condition of publication, compared to 11 of 26 papers (42 percent) that were not required to provide such files. Also excluding the 2 papers that used software we did not possess, we replicated 29 of 59 papers (49 percent) with assistance from the authors. We conclude with recommendations on improving replication of economics research.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew C. Chang & Phillip Li, 2017. "A Preanalysis Plan to Replicate Sixty Economics Research Papers That Worked Half of the Time," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(5), pages 60-64, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:107:y:2017:i:5:p:60-64
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.p20171034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dewald, William G & Thursby, Jerry G & Anderson, Richard G, 1986. "Replication in Empirical Economics: The Journal of Money, Credit and Banking Project," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 76(4), pages 587-603, September.
    2. Andrew C. Chang & Phillip Li, 2018. "Measurement Error In Macroeconomic Data And Economics Research: Data Revisions, Gross Domestic Product, And Gross Domestic Income," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 56(3), pages 1846-1869, July.
    3. Vlaeminck, Sven & Herrmann, Lisa-Kristin, 2015. "Data Policies and Data Archives: A New Paradigm for Academic Publishing in Economic Sciences?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, pages 145-155.
    4. McCullough, B. D. & McGeary, Kerry Anne & Harrison, Teresa D., 2006. "Lessons from the JMCB Archive," Journal of Money, Credit and Banking, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 38(4), pages 1093-1107, June.
    5. Andrew C. Chang & Phillip Li, 2015. "Is Economics Research Replicable? Sixty Published Papers from Thirteen Journals Say \"Usually Not\"," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2015-83, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics

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