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Challenges to Replication and Iteration in Field Experiments: Evidence from Two Direct Mail Shots

Author

Listed:
  • Jake Bowers
  • Nathaniel Higgins
  • Dean Karlan
  • Sarah Tulman
  • Jonathan Zinman

Abstract

We conducted an experiment marketing microloans to farmers in the USA during Spring 2015 and found a simple direct mail letter increased borrowing from a government program. The subsequent spring, we built on this finding and enriched the design to test for information spillovers. The direct effect result did not replicate in the second year, thus lowering the likelihood that spillovers would be present and detectable. These results add to recent evidence on how (seemingly subtle) differences in context and treatment content affect consumer responses.

Suggested Citation

  • Jake Bowers & Nathaniel Higgins & Dean Karlan & Sarah Tulman & Jonathan Zinman, 2017. "Challenges to Replication and Iteration in Field Experiments: Evidence from Two Direct Mail Shots," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(5), pages 462-465, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:107:y:2017:i:5:p:462-65
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.p20171060
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q14 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Finance

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