arrow
Return

What Is Wrong with Rerandomization in Randomized Field Experiments?

delete2026-03-01
delete0
PRE
AI
M
Maziarz, Mariusz *
DOI:10.1017/psa.2026.10203delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Rerandomization is a new technique employed in randomized field experiments to enhance the balance of covariates across experimental groups. Rerandomization is recommended because it reduces imbalances in known covariates, thereby enhancing the precision of the average treatment effect estimates. However, employing rerandomization necessitates adjusting observed p-values, using regression-based inference, and selecting predictive covariates. All these amendments increase the number of researcher degrees of freedom, that is, methodological decisions involved in designing and analyzing experiments. I argue that this increased analytical flexibility may be misused to p-hack for statistically significant or preferred results, thereby reducing the credibility of the results.
Keywords:
CLINICAL-TRIALS
BALANCE
ECONOMICS
MINIMIZATION
ALLOCATION
IMPACTS
DESIGN
HEALTH
TESTS
BIAS

Journal

P
Philosophy of Science
IF:
1.1
Papers:
32
Citations:
0

Organization

J
jagiellonian university
Scholars:
2.2W
Papers: 1.8W
Citations: 11