Audit studies suggest that there may be stark differences in the opportunities available to minorities and women, yet regression analyses suggest that people of every color and gender earn what they can expect to earn, given their characteristics.

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Audit studies often reveal discrimination in hiring and promotion practices, showing that minorities and women may face barriers that are not captured by regression analyses. Regression analyses, on the other hand, control for various factors like education, experience, and occupation, and might suggest that within those controlled groups, earnings align with what would be expected based on those characteristics. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of measuring and understanding discrimination and inequality in the labor market.

Audit Studies Suggest That There May Be Stark Differences in the Opportunities