On the Generalizability of Experimental Results in Economics: With A Response To Camerer

Omar Al-Ubaydli and John List

No 19666, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Economists are increasingly turning to the experimental method as a means to estimate causal effects. By using randomization to identify key treatment effects, theories previously viewed as untestable are now scrutinized, efficacy of public policies are now more easily verified, and stakeholders can swiftly add empirical evidence to aid their decision-making. This study provides an overview of experimental methods in economics, with a special focus on developing an economic theory of generalizability. Given that field experiments are in their infancy, our secondary focus pertains to a discussion of the various parameters that they identify, and how they add to scientific knowledge. We conclude that until we conduct more field experiments that build a bridge between the lab and the naturally-occurring settings of interest we cannot begin to make strong conclusions empirically on the crucial question of generalizability from the lab to the field.

JEL-codes: C9 C90 C91 C92 C93 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev and nep-exp
Note: EEE
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (30)

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Working Paper: On the Generalizability of Experimental Results in Economics: With A Response To Camerer (2013)
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