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Generation Next: Experimentation with AI

Author

Listed:
  • Gary Charness
  • Brian Jabarian
  • John A. List

Abstract

We investigate the potential for Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance scientific practice within experimentation by identifying key areas, directions, and implications. First, we discuss how these models can improve experimental design, including improving the elicitation wording, coding experiments, and producing documentation. Second, we delve into the use of LLMs in experiment implementation, with an emphasis on bolstering causal inference through creating consistent experiences, improving instruction comprehension, and real-time monitoring of participant engagement. Third, we underscore the role of LLMs in analyzing experimental data, encompassing tasks like pre-processing, data cleaning, and assisting reviewers and replicators in examining studies. Each of these tasks improves the probability of reporting accurate findings. Lastly, we suggest a scientific governance framework that mitigates the potential risks of using LLMs in experimental research while amplifying their advantages. This could pave the way for open science opportunities and foster a culture of policy and industry experimentation at scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Gary Charness & Brian Jabarian & John A. List, 2023. "Generation Next: Experimentation with AI," NBER Working Papers 31679, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
  • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31679
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    Cited by:

    1. Nir Chemaya & Daniel Martin, 2024. "Perceptions and detection of AI use in manuscript preparation for academic journals," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(7), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Samuel Chang & Andrew Kennedy & Aaron Leonard & John A. List, 2024. "12 Best Practices for Leveraging Generative AI in Experimental Research," NBER Working Papers 33025, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Mourelatos, Evangelos & Zervas, Panagiotis & Lagios, Dimitris & Tzimas, Giannis, 2024. "Can AI Bridge the Gender Gap in Competitiveness?," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1404, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    4. Asad, Sher Afghan & Ahmad, Husnain Fateh & Majid, Hadia, 2025. "Price and prejudice: Gender discrimination in online marketplaces," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    5. Brian Jabarian, 2024. "Large Language Models for Behavioral Economics: Internal Validity and Elicitation of Mental Models," Papers 2407.12032, arXiv.org.
    6. Bruttel, Lisa & Nithammer, Juri, 2025. "Opinion Piece: How to pre-register experimental studies that involve machine learning for text data analysis," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    7. Dmitri Bershadskyy & Laslo Dinges & Marc-André Fiedler & Ayoub Al-Hamadi & Nina Ostermaier & Joachim Weimann, 2024. "Experimental economics for machine learning—a methodological contribution on lie detection," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(12), pages 1-19, December.
    8. Rosa-García, Alfonso, 2024. "Student Reactions to AI-Replicant Professor in an Econ101 Teaching Video," MPRA Paper 120135, University Library of Munich, Germany.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C0 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • C82 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C87 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Econometric Software
    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other

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