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Research report

The Synthetic Control Method as a Tool to Understand State Policy

Robert McClelland, Sarah Gault
March 29, 2017
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Abstract

The synthetic control method is an increasingly popular method for state policy evaluation. It provides quantitative support for case studies by creating a synthetic control region that simulates what the outcome path of a region would be if it did not undergo a particular policy intervention. In this report, we describe the method and provide simple step-by-step guidance for its application. We also explore pitfalls and concerns noted in the literature and other potential problems.

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State and Local Issues
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Meet the Experts

  • Robert McClelland
    Senior Fellow
  • Sarah Gault
    Research Associate II
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  • © Urban Institute, Brookings Institution, and individual authors, 2020.