本文精选了会计与经济领域国际顶刊《Journal of Accounting and Economics》近期发表的论文，提供会计与经济研究领域最新的学术动态。

Causality redux: The evolution of empirical methods in accounting research and the growth of quasi-experiments

原刊和作者：

Journal of Accounting and Economics Volume 74, Issues 2–3

ChristopherArmstrong （Stanford University）

John D. Kepler （Stanford University）

Delphine Samuels （University of Chicago）

Daniel Taylor （University of Pennsylvania）

Abstract

This paper reviews the empirical methods used in the accounting literature to draw causal inferences. Recent years have seen a burgeoning growth in the use of methods that seek to exploit as-if random variation in observational settings—i.e., “quasi-experiments.” We provide a synthesis of the major assumptions of these methods, discuss several practical considerations relevant to the application of these methods in the accounting literature, and provide a framework for thinking about whether and when quasi-experimental and non-experimental methods are well-suited for addressing causal questions of interest to accounting researchers. While there is growing interest in addressing causal questions within the literature, we caution against the idea that one should restrict attention to only those causal questions for which there are quasi-experiments. We offer a complementary approach for addressing causal questions that does not rely on the availability of a quasi-experiment, but rather relies on a combination of economic theory, developing and falsifying alternative explanations, triangulating results across multiple settings, measures, and research designs, and caveating results where appropriate.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2022.101521

Parallels between structural estimation and causal inference: A discussion of Armstrong et al. (2022)

原刊和作者：

Journal of Accounting and Economics Volume 74, Issues 2–3

Toni M.Whited （University of Michigan）

Abstract

Armstrong et al. (2022) review the various econometric methods that have been used to draw causal inference in the accounting literature and offer an alternative method for conducting research when causal methods are not applicable. This discussion provides background for the emphasis on causal inference in accounting. It also draws parallels between the authors' proposed quasi-causal method and the structural estimation methods that have been used in finance and that are starting to be used in accounting.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2022.101541

Towards a design-based approach to accounting research

原刊和作者：

Journal of Accounting and Economics Volume 74, Issues 2–3

ChristianLeuz （University of Chicago Booth School of Business）

Abstract

Armstrong et al. (2022) review the empirical methods used in the accounting literature to draw causal inferences. They document a growing number of studies using quasi-experimental methods and provide a critical perspective on this trend as well as the use of these methods in the accounting literature. In this discussion, I complement their review by broadening the perspective. I argue for a design-based approach to accounting research that shifts attention from methods to the entire research design. I also discuss why studies that aim to draw causal inferences are important, how these studies fit into the scientific process, and why assessing the strength of the research design is important when evaluating studies and aggregating research findings.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2022.101550

A review of China-related accounting research in the past 25 years

原刊和作者：

Journal of Accounting and Economics Volume 74, Issues 2–3

CliveLennox （University of Southern California）

Joanna Shuang Wu （University of Rochester）

Abstract

The past 25 years have seen an exponential growth in the number of China studies in the leading accounting journals. The rise in China-related research mirrors the country's increased importance on the global stage and a growing appreciation of the economic importance of Chinese institutions. We organize our review of the China literature around three central themes: 1) political and regulatory institutions, 2) China's relationships with foreign investors, and 3) the availability of novel data and regulatory shocks. The former two themes address research questions that are more China-centric, while the third exploits the China setting to examine questions that are more universal. We highlight the contributions that China studies have made to the broader accounting literature, the limitations of the current literature, and we offer suggestions for future research directions.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2022.101539

The past, present, and future of China-related accounting research

Journal of Accounting and Economics Volume 74, Issues 2–3

Qiang Cheng （Singapore Management University）

Luzi Hail （University of Pennsylvania）

Gwen Yu （University of Michigan）

Abstract

This discussion makes several observations regarding the past 25 years of China-related accounting research reviewed in Lennox and Wu (2022). First, we discuss factors of supply and demand that led to the rise of China-related studies and how this growth has contributed to the internationalization of accounting research. We note that the taxonomy of the literature by geographic region rather than topic or methodology is unusual and makes it difficult to formulate a common framework that would help organize the many contributions. Next, we distill distinct patterns in authorship, choice of topics, and asserted contributions of China-related studies. Studies are increasingly shaped by the availability of new data and regulatory reforms. These features should be interpreted carefully, as most reforms are interconnected and reflect the purposeful outcome of a tightly controlled economy. As a result, issues of generalizability arise. Alternatively, researchers could embrace the China setting and strive to identify the local institutional forces that make it special. We see such a more institutional, context-specific view of China-related—or better—international research as an opportunity for the field. We close by presenting five broad themes we view as promising areas for future China-related research.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2022.101544