Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
The impact of immigration on child health: experimental evidence from a migration lottery program
Steven Stillman1, John Gibson, David McKenzie
1Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract:
This paper uses a unique survey designed by the authors to compare migrant children who enter New Zealand through a random ballot with children in the home country of Tonga whose families were unsuccessful participants in the same ballots. We find that migration increases height and reduces stunting of infants and toddlers, but also increases BMI and obesity among 3- to 5-yr-olds. These impacts are quite large even though the average migrant household has been in New Zealand for less than 1 yr. Additional results suggest that these impacts occur because of dietary change rather than direct income effects.
Related Concept Videos
Regression Toward the Mean
Migration
What is an Experiment?
Gene Flow
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...

