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Credibility crisis in agricultural economics

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  • Paul J. Ferraro
  • Pallavi Shukla

Abstract

We provide empirical evidence of research practices that can undermine the credibility of empirical research in agricultural economics. We find that, in four popular journals, most studies are underpowered, a characteristic that, when coupled with publication bias, yields unreliable and exaggerated effect sizes. This problem is exacerbated by selective reporting of statistically significant results and multiple hypothesis testing without any adjustments to statistical inferences. Survey respondents self‐report engaging in practices that are consistent with these empirical findings. Addressing these problems in agricultural economics will require that editors, reviewers, and donors change the norms and incentives for authors.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul J. Ferraro & Pallavi Shukla, 2023. "Credibility crisis in agricultural economics," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 45(3), pages 1275-1291, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:45:y:2023:i:3:p:1275-1291
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stefano DellaVigna & Elizabeth Linos, 2022. "RCTs to Scale: Comprehensive Evidence From Two Nudge Units," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 90(1), pages 81-116, January.
    2. Chris Chambers, 2019. "What’s next for Registered Reports?," Nature, Nature, vol. 573(7773), pages 187-189, September.
    3. Paul J. Ferraro & Pallavi Shukla, 2020. "Feature—Is a Replicability Crisis on the Horizon for Environmental and Resource Economics?," Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 14(2), pages 339-351.
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    Cited by:

    1. Casati, Mirta & Soregaroli, Claudio & Rommel, Jens & Luzzani, Gloria & Stranieri, Stefanella, 2023. "Please keep ordering! A natural field experiment assessing a carbon label introduction," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    2. Shukla, Pallavi & Messer, Kent D. & Ferraro, Paul J., 2023. "Applying behavioral science to agriculture, food, and agri-environmental policymaking," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    3. Robert Finger & Carola Grebitus & Arne Henningsen, 2024. "Improving Agricultural Policy Decisions through Replications," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 23(1), pages 63-66, April.
    4. Thibaut Arpinon & Marianne Lefebvre, 2024. "Registered Reports and Associated Benefits for Agricultural Economics," Post-Print hal-04635986, HAL.

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