Implementing theoretical models in the laboratory, and what this can and cannot achieve

Sugden, Robert and Sitzia, Stefania (2011) Implementing theoretical models in the laboratory, and what this can and cannot achieve. Journal of Economic Methodology, 18 (4). pp. 323-343. ISSN 1350-178X

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Abstract

We investigate the methodology used in a significant genre of experimental economics, in which experiments are designed to test theoretical models by implementing them in the laboratory. Using two case studies, we argue that such an experiment is a test, not of what the model says about its target domain, but of generic theoretical components used in the model. The properties that make a model interesting as a putative explanation of phenomena in its target domain are not necessarily appropriate for such tests. We consider how this research strategy has been legitimised within the community of experimental economists.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Economics
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Economic Theory Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Behavioural and Experimental Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Competition Policy Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Behavioural Economics Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Environment, Resources and Conflict
Depositing User:	Julie Frith
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2011 14:59
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2023 13:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/28694
DOI:	10.1080/1350178X.2011.628101

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