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The Virtues of Lab Experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Gary Charness
  • James Cox
  • Catherine Eckel
  • Charles Holt
  • Brian Jabarian

Abstract

Physical lab experiments have played an instrumental role in sculpting the history of experimental economics, facilitating controlled information conditions, efficient monetary inducements, and exclusive advantages via immediate human interaction and engaging experiences. These unique benefits render in-person lab experiments essential for the future of experimental economics, complementing the growth of online experiments and the emerging AI revolution. We characterize the environments in which it seems particularly important to conduct lab-in-the-lab experiments. Overall, the lab benefits culminate in a comprehensive research procedure that produces precise and enlightening outcomes, ultimately enriching the domain of experimental economics, and potentially extending benefits to the broader realm of social science.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Charness & James Cox & Catherine Eckel & Charles Holt & Brian Jabarian, 2023. "The Virtues of Lab Experiments," CESifo Working Paper Series 10796, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10796
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kenneth Chan & Gary Charness & Chetan Dave & J. Lucas Reddinger, 2024. "On Prior Confidence and Belief Updating," Papers 2412.10662, arXiv.org, revised May 2025.

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