Regression-discontinuity analysis: An alternative to the ex post facto experiment.

This study presents a method of testing casual hypotheses, called regression-discontinuity analysis, in situations where the investigator is unable to randomly assign Ss to experimental and control groups. The Ss were selected from near winners--5126 students who received certificates of merit and 2848 students who merely received letters of commendation. Comparison of the results obtained from the new mode of analysis with those obtained when the ex post facto design was applied to the same data. The new analysis suggested that public recognition for achievement tends to increase the likelihood that the recipient will receive a scholarship but did not support the inference that recognition affects the student's attitudes and career plans. From Psyc Abstracts 36:01:1AF09T. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)