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Field Experiments in the Global South: Assessing Risks, Localizing Benefits, and Addressing Positionality

Author

Listed:
  • Herman, Biz
  • Panin, Amma

    (Université catholique de Louvain, LIDAM/CORE, Belgium)

  • Owlsley, Nicholas
  • , e.a.

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have emerged as a leading methodological tool to strengthen causal inference in the social sciences. Yet RCTs carry significant risks for ev- eryone involved, from participants to researchers themselves, especially in the Global South. In this article, we explore how researchers’ identities and power influence the conduct of research and their positionality within the research contexts—especially when conducting RCTs in the Global South. Our goal is to center local contexts and demands at each stage of the research process. Overall, we argue that centering local contexts, stakeholders, and de- mands at each stage of the research process is key to ensuring that RCTs in the Global South are ethically sound and generate insights that can serve the communities they investigate.

Suggested Citation

  • Herman, Biz & Panin, Amma & Owlsley, Nicholas & , e.a., 2021. "Field Experiments in the Global South: Assessing Risks, Localizing Benefits, and Addressing Positionality," LIDAM Discussion Papers CORE 2021025, Université catholique de Louvain, Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE).
    • Handle: RePEc:cor:louvco:2021025
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Karim, Sabrina, 2020. "Relational State Building in Areas of Limited Statehood: Experimental Evidence on the Attitudes of the Police," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 114(2), pages 536-551, May.
    3. Grossman, Guy & Michelitch, Kristin, 2018. "Information Dissemination, Competitive Pressure, and Politician Performance between Elections: A Field Experiment in Uganda," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 112(2), pages 280-301, May.
    4. Kaplan, Lennart & Kuhnt, Jana & Steinert, Janina I., 2020. "Do no harm? Field research in the Global South: Ethical challenges faced by research staff," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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