The Role of Theory in Field Experiments
David Card, Stefano DellaVigna, Ulrike Malmendier
Journal of Economic Perspectives · 2011
Abstract
Surveys the rise of field experiments in economics and asks how tightly they are tied to theory, arguing about what experiments must do to produce cumulative, generalizable knowledge rather than isolated effects.
Methodology
Systematic classification of published field experiments by their relationship to theory (from descriptive to fully structural), documenting how many test or estimate models versus simply measuring a treatment effect.
Findings
A large share of field experiments are only loosely connected to theory, limiting how far their results generalize beyond the studied context. The authors argue that theory-guided designs—estimating parameters or testing mechanisms—yield more transferable, cumulative knowledge.
Applied nudge
Design experiments to test a mechanism, not just an outcome—understanding *why* a nudge works is what lets you port it to a new product or population with confidence.
Citation
Card, D., DellaVigna, S., & Malmendier, U. (2011). The role of theory in field experiments. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25(3), 39-62.
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