Experimental Design
We implement a four-month pilot program with an RCT design in eight urban branches. In each pilot branch we randomly select the treatment applications for which the committee will be able to see the score of the applicant. Randomization occurs in real time when the committee begins to discuss an application. The committee members are informed of the group assignment at the beginning of the discussion.
In the control group, the committee evaluates the application without observing the score. In the first treatment group (T1), the committee receives the score before evaluating the application. This first treatment allows us to measure the overall effect of scores on committee effort, output and productivity. In the second treatment group (T2), the committee evaluates the application and chooses an interim action before receiving the score, receives the score after taking the interim action, and then may revise its choice to take a final action.