Forensic Economics

Eric Zitzewitz

Journal of Economic Literature, 2012, vol. 50, issue 3, 731-69

Abstract: A new meta-field of "forensic economics" has begun to emerge, uncovering evidence of hidden behavior in a variety of domains. Examples include teachers cheating on exams, road builders skimping on materials, violations of U.N. sanctions, unnecessary heart surgeries, and racial biases in employment decisions, traffic stops, auto retailing, and even sports judging. In each case, part of the contribution of economic analysis is in uncovering evidence of wrongdoing. Although research questions differ, forensic economic work shares commonalities in approaches and limitations. This article seeks to draw out the common threads, with the hope of stimulating further research across fields. (JEL K13)

JEL-codes: K13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.50.3.731
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (64)

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