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The author is suggesting that the self-selection effect is a problem for this and similar studies, because they potentially mask the effect they the learning en
by cardamomo 3y ago
The author is suggesting that the self-selection effect is a problem for this and similar studies, because they potentially mask the effect they the learning environment has. In fact, the author sounds quite complimentary, calling the program being studied "an impressive, even inspiring initiative to improve the lives of poor inner-city children through charter schools and community programs." This piece is calling for randomized trials, as opposed to observational studies.
- fmajid 3y agoA randomized trial would probably violate all manner of ethics rules, and be vociferously opposed by parents, at least those who care about their kids' education, and thus we'd fall back to the same self-selection problem the author highlights.
- collinmcnulty 3y agoNot necessarily. I went to a charter middle school that received more qualified applications than they had seats, so they had a lottery every year. You could easily compare students who won the lottery to those who did not.