This dataset supports analysis of accounting practices in Massachusetts corporations from 1870 to 1895. It contains data used to estimate the prevalence of double-entry bookkeeping and depreciation, with findings showing balancing returns increased from 60% to 96% over the period. The data was compiled by author Caitlin Rosenthal for the paper 'Balancing the Books: Convergence and Diversity in Accounting, 1875-1895'.
Use Cases
- Analyze the adoption rate of double-entry bookkeeping over time using balance statement error and omission indicators.
- Estimate the prevalence of depreciation accounting among corporations from 1875 to 1895.
- Investigate correlations between the use of specific accounting techniques and firm survival duration.
- Replicate tables and graphs from the associated research paper using the provided Stata do file and Excel data.
Strengths
- Covers a 25-year time period from 1870 to 1895, providing longitudinal data.
- Quantifies specific historical accounting metrics, such as the increase in firms balancing returns from 60% to 96%.
- Includes replication code in Stata for reproducing the paper's analysis.
Limitations
- The dataset is specific to Massachusetts corporations, limiting geographical generalizability.
- Sample size and row count are unknown, making it difficult to assess statistical power.
- Data is historical and may not reflect modern accounting practices or contexts.
Provenance
- Source
- ICPSR Harvested Dataverse
- Collection Method
- Replication package for academic paper, using corporate balance statements and Accountants' Index publications.
- Time Range
- 1870-1895
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Massachusetts, United States