Internal and External Validity in Economics Research: Tradeoffs between Experiments, Field Experiments, Natural Experiments, and Field Data
Internal and External Validity in Economics Research: Tradeoffs between Experiments, Field Experiments, Natural Experiments, and Field Data
复制标题
经济学研究的内部和外部效度：实验、田野实验、自然实验和田野数据之间的权衡
DOI：
--
复制
发表时间：
2009
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
D. Just
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
B. Roe;D. Just
在实证研究领域，研究者首先关注的是其结果的有效性，但有效性是一个多维度的理想。在这篇文章中，我们讨论了有效性的两个关键维度-内部和外部有效性-并强调了在选择一种研究方法以最大限度地提高这两种类型的有效性时所产生的自然张力。我们建议，最常见的实证研究方法-使用自然发生的现场/市场数据和使用实验室实验-落在研究方法的光谱的两端，而这个光谱的内部包括中间的方法，如现场实验和自然实验。此外，我们认为，在实验室实验和现场数据之间进行选择通常需要在追求内部和外部有效性之间进行权衡。向光谱内部的移动通常可以缓解内部和外部有效性之间的紧张关系，但也伴随着其他重要的限制，例如对主题或主题领域的控制较少，以及其他人复制研究的能力降低。最后，我们强调最近的尝试修改和混合的方式，缓解内部和外部有效性之间的自然冲突的研究方法，并讨论如果采用多种方法导致经济的范围内的研究成本。
In the realm of empirical research, investigators are first and foremost concerned with the validity of their results, but validity is a multi-dimensional ideal. In this article we discuss two key dimensions of validity - internal and external validity - and underscore the natural tension that arises in choosing a research approach to maximize both types of validity. We propose that the most common approaches to empirical research - the use of naturally-occurring field/market data and the use of laboratory experiments - fall on the ends of a spectrum of research approaches, and that the interior of this spectrum includes intermediary approaches such as field experiments and natural experiments. Furthermore, we argue that choosing between lab experiments and field data usually requires a tradeoff between the pursuit of internal and external validity. Movements toward the interior of the spectrum can often ease the tension between internal and external validity but are also accompanied by other important limitations, such as less control over subject matter or topic areas and a reduced ability for others to replicate research. Finally, we highlight recent attempts to modify and mix research approaches in a way that eases the natural conflict between internal and external validity and discuss if employing multiple methods leads to economies of scope in research costs.