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Lab experiments are a major source of knowledge in the social sciences
1Centre for Economic Policy Research, Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research, Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), and University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 11, 2009
Summary
Social science research increasingly uses laboratory experiments to establish causality. Despite criticisms regarding realism, these experiments offer valuable insights and should be more widely adopted.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Causal Inference
Background:
- Laboratory experiments are crucial for causal knowledge in physical and life sciences.
- Adoption in social sciences, particularly psychology, has lagged but is accelerating.
- Resistance persists due to concerns about realism and generalizability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the advantages and limitations of laboratory social science experiments.
- To compare lab experiments with nonexperimental data and field experiments.
- To address common objections against laboratory experiments in social science.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of research methodologies.
- Discussion of experimental versus nonexperimental data.
- Evaluation of laboratory experiments against field experiments.
Main Results:
- Many criticisms of lab experiments are unfounded.
- Laboratory experiments offer unique benefits for causal inference.
- Comparison highlights the strengths of lab experiments in specific contexts.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory experiments are valuable tools for social science research.
- Increased use of lab experiments is recommended.
- Addressing concerns about realism and generalizability is key to wider adoption.
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