Adam Sales

Unlike their more traditional counterparts, computer-based interventions typically allow researchers and administrators to collect implementation data automatically in the form of log or clickstream data. Log data from technology RCTs present an unprecedented opportunity for researchers to use the fine-grained and rich data to help understand how, why, and when online interventions work. Log data, however, present a challenge, in that they differ in structure and size from data commonly enco...

The purpose of this project is to develop novel methodology to estimate treatment effects from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while incorporating large observational remnant data and cutting-edge machine learning prediction algorithms to improve precision. The statistical precision of effect estimates from an RCT is limited by the RCT's sample size, which itself is typically subject to a number of practical constraints, such as cost. In many cases, RCT estimates may be too imprecise to...

The purpose of this grant is to develop open-source software that will enable researchers to separate the two functions of classical analysis of covariance - covariance adjustment and treatment effect estimation - into distinct modules for the purpose of optimally estimating standard errors. Covariates play an essential role in education evaluations. In observational studies, regression discontinuity studies, and randomized experiments with attrition, covariates can be used to enhance interp...

This program trained four fellows and was carried out in collaboration with the RAND Corporation, whose team applies quantitative and methodological training to scientifically rigorous education research.