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The Significance of Data-Sharing Policy

Author

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  • Zohid Askarov
  • Anthony Doucouli
  • Hristos Doucouli
  • T D Stanley

Abstract

We assess the impact of mandating data-sharing in economics journals on two dimensions of research credibility: statistical significance and excess statistical significance (ESS). ESS is a necessary condition for publication selection bias. Quasi-experimental difference-in-differences analysis of 20,121 estimates published in 24 general interest and leading field journals shows that data-sharing policies have reduced reported statistical significance and the associated t-values. The magnitude of this reduction is large and of practical significance. We also find suggestive evidence that mandatory data-sharing reduces ESS and hence decreases publication bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Zohid Askarov & Anthony Doucouli & Hristos Doucouli & T D Stanley, 2023. "The Significance of Data-Sharing Policy," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 21(3), pages 1191-1226.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:21:y:2023:i:3:p:1191-1226.
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    1. Irsova, Zuzana & Doucouliagos, Hristos & Havranek, Tomas & Stanley, T. D., 2023. "Meta-Analysis of Social Science Research: A Practitioner’s Guide," EconStor Preprints 273719, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.

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