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Bias and Careers: Evidence from the Aid Effectiveness Literature

Author

Listed:
  • Doucouliagos, Chris

    (Deakin University)

  • Hinz, Thomas

    (University of Konstanz)

  • Zigova, Katarina

    (University of Konstanz)

Abstract
We investigate whether estimates of the effect of aid on growth are influenced by authors' careers. We collect data on the careers of 190 authors and apply meta-regression analysis to investigate the impact of authors' age and tenure status on the reported magnitude of aid effectiveness, and on the degree of selectivity in which results are reported. On average, authors without tenure report much larger effects and they also exhibit substantial publication selection bias. These findings are consistent with differences in publication incentives between tenured and non-tenured authors. Older non-tenured researchers report the most biased findings in this literature. One explanation for this latter result is these authors' links with aid agencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Doucouliagos, Chris & Hinz, Thomas & Zigova, Katarina, 2020. "Bias and Careers: Evidence from the Aid Effectiveness Literature," IZA Discussion Papers 13287, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13287
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    aid; tenure; incentives to publish; meta-regression analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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