Why Timing Determines Policy Truth Policy effects unfold over time. Yet many evaluations assume impact appears instantly. This mismatch creates time horizon bias. When researchers measure outcomes before policies mature, they report null or negative effects. When they measure too late, effects blend with unrelated shocks. Reviewers then conclude: you measured the wrong effect at … Read more
Impact assessments are widely regarded as the gold standard for evidence-based policymaking. Yet, behind many โcausalโ claims lies a silent but serious flaw: endogeneity. Most researchers focus on sample size, statistical fit, or significance levels. However, ignoring endogeneity can transform expensive evaluations into misleading exercises. Instead of guiding progress, such studies risk misallocating resources and … Read more
Inferential statistics are powerful tools for uncovering patterns and testing relationships. But they are also easily misused. One of the most frequent and damaging mistakes we see at Research & Report Consulting is treating correlation as causation. This statistical misstep is more than a technical flawโit undermines credibility, damages publication chances, and can lead to … Read more
Regression analysis is one of the most widely used statistical tools in empirical research. Yet, beneath many published models lies a silent killer of validity: the misuse of control variables. Too often, researchers include controls reflexively โ without a clear understanding of their role in causal inference or model integrity. This article dives into what … Read more
