External validity in experimental methods: a social reality check

Jackson, Cecile (2011) External validity in experimental methods: a social reality check. Working Paper. DEV Working Paper, School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

Preview

PDF (WP28.pdf) - Published Version Download (386kB) | Preview

Abstract

The relevance of experimental games as methods in development research depends crucially on how far the results from the games can be extrapolated to real life, ie the external validity of those results. The extent to which external validity matters depends on what you want to do with the data, some kinds of theory testing can arguably afford indifference, but many experiments are used as an indicator of behaviour in everyday life. This paper is focused on the 15 cross-cultural studies of Henrich et al (2004) as the most systematic attempt by anthropologists to use experimental games in developing countries, to assess the extent to which such methods can illuminate norms and social preferences in reality.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development)
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Gender and Development Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Experimental Economics (former - to 2017)
Depositing User:	Abigail Dalgleish
Date Deposited:	08 Mar 2011 14:46
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2023 09:36
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/25750
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item