In this paper, we critically and constructively examine the methodology of evidence-based development economics, which deploys randomized field experiments (RFEs) as its main tool. We describe the context in which this movement started, and illustrate in detail how RFEs are designed and implemented in practice, drawing on a series of experiments by Pascaline Dupas and her colleagues on the use of bednets, saving and governance in Kenya. We show that this line of experiments have evolved to address the limitation of obtaining policy-relevant insights from RFEs alone, characterized as their lack of external validity in the literature. After examining the two prominent responses by leading figures of evidence-based development economics, namely machine learning and structured speculation, we propose an alternative methodological strategy that incorporates two sub-fields, namely experimental economics and behavioral economics, to complement RFEs in investigating the data-generating process underlying the treatment effects of RFEs. This strategy highlights promising methodological developments in RFEs neither captured by the two proposals nor recognized by methodologists, and also guides how to combine different sub-fields of economics.
Holding back from theory: limits and methodological alternatives of randomized field experiments in development economics
Résumé
en
In this paper, we critically and constructively examine the methodology of evidence-based development economics, which deploys randomized field experiments (RFEs) as its main tool. We describe the context in which this movement started, and illustrate in detail how RFEs are designed and implemented in practice, drawing on a series of experiments by Pascaline Dupas and her colleagues on the use of bednets, saving and governance in Kenya. We show that this line of experiments have evolved to address the limitation of obtaining policy-relevant insights from RFEs alone, characterized as their lack of external validity in the literature. After examining the two prominent responses by leading figures of evidence-based development economics, namely machine learning and structured speculation, we propose an alternative methodological strategy that incorporates two sub-fields, namely experimental economics and behavioral economics, to complement RFEs in investigating the data-generating process underlying the treatment effects of RFEs. This strategy highlights promising methodological developments in RFEs neither captured by the two proposals nor recognized by methodologists, and also guides how to combine different sub-fields of economics.
Auteur(s)
Judith Favereau1
, Michiru Nagatsu2, 3
1
TRIANGLE -
Triangle : action, discours, pensée politique et économique
( 145357 )
- 15, parvis René-Descartes - BP 7000 69342 LYON CEDEX 07
- France
École normale supérieure de Lyon ( 6818 )
;
Université Lumière - Lyon 2 ( 33804 )
;
Sciences Po Lyon - Institut d'études politiques de Lyon ( 59112 )
;
Université de Lyon ( 301088 )
;
Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne ( 300284 )
;
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5206 ( 441569 )
2
Helsingin yliopisto = Helsingfors universitet = University of Helsinki
( 50895 )
- Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki
- Finlande
3
HELSUS -
Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science
( 562733 )
- Porthania, 2nd floor
Yliopistonkatu 3
00014 Helsinki, Finlande
- Finlande
Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences [Helsinki] ( 571878 )
;
Helsingin yliopisto = Helsingfors universitet = University of Helsinki ( 50895 )
Langue du document
Anglais
Vulgarisation
Non
Date de publication
2020
Volume
27
Numéro
3
Page/Identifiant
191-211
Nom de la revue
Journal of Economic Methodology
(ISSN : 1350-178X, ISSN électronique : 1469-9427)
Publié par Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Revue non référencée dans Sherpa-Romeo
Comité de lecture
Oui
Audience
Internationale
Domaine(s)
Sciences de l'Homme et Société/Economies et finances
Judith Favereau, Michiru Nagatsu. Holding back from theory: limits and methodological alternatives of randomized field experiments in development economics. Journal of Economic Methodology, 2020, 27 (3), pp.191-211. ⟨10.1080/1350178X.2020.1717585⟩. ⟨halshs-02934195⟩