The Methodology of Experimental Economics [Paperback]

The first comprehensive analysis of the methodology of experimental economics written by a philosopher of science.This book is aimed primarily at scholars in the field of economic methodology, experimental economics, and philosophy of science. It can be used in courses on experimental economics as a complement, rather than replacement, of existing texts. Its distinguishing feature is the combination of sophisticated philosophy of science with an attention for the specific problems encountered by economists in their everyday laboratory research.This book is aimed primarily at scholars in the field of economic methodology, experimental economics, and philosophy of science. It can be used in courses on experimental economics as a complement, rather than replacement, of existing texts. Its distinguishing feature is the combination of sophisticated philosophy of science with an attention for the specific problems encountered by economists in their everyday laboratory research.The experimental approach in economics is a driving force behind some of the most exciting developments in the field. The 'experimental revolution' was based on a series of bold philosophical premises which have remained until now mostly unexplored. This book provides the first comprehensive analysis and critical discussion of the methodology of experimental economics, written by a philosopher of science with expertise in the field. It outlines the fundamental principles of experimental inference in order to investigate their power, scope and limitations.1. Introduction; Part I. Inferences within the Experiment: 2. Inside the laboratory; 3. Hypothesis testing; 4. Causation and experimental control; 5. Prediction; 6. Elimination; Part II. Inferences from the Experiment: 7. External validity; 8. Economic engineering; 9. From the laboratory to the outside world; 10. Experiments as mediators; 11. On monetary incentives.'& effectively mixes a descriptive and a normative approach.' History of Economicl#Ç