“Regression-Discontinuity Design” By Any Other Name Might Be Less Problematic

In “Random Measurement Error Does Not Bias the Treatment Estimate in the Regression-Discontinuity Design : II. When an Interaction Effect Is Present, “ Trochim, Cappelleri, and Reichardt claim to “set the record straight regarding the RD design. “ Instead, they defend the record of regression discontinuity (RD) and blur the statistical tests for treatment effect. Not withstanding their explicit assertions to the contrary, the Monte Carlo results they report show how the practical application of RD remains problematic and potentially biased. New testing strategies and restrictions for the application of RD are proposed. © 1991, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.