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Selective Trials: A Principal-Agent Approach to Randomized Controlled Experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Sylvain Chassang

    (Princeton University)

  • Gerard Padro i Miquel

    (London School of Economics)

  • Erik Snowberg

    (Caltech)

Abstract
We study the design of randomized controlled experiments in environments where outcomes are significantly affected by unobserved effort decisions taken by the subjects (agents). While standard randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are internally consistent, the unobservability of effort provision compromises external validity. We approach trial design as a principal-agent problem and show that natural extensions of RCTs which we call selective trials can help improve the external validity of experiments. In particular, selective trials can disentangle the effects of treatment, effort, and the interaction of treatment and effort. Moreover, they can help experimenters identify when measured treatment effects are affected by erroneous beliefs and inappropriate effort provision.

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvain Chassang & Gerard Padro i Miquel & Erik Snowberg, 2010. "Selective Trials: A Principal-Agent Approach to Randomized Controlled Experiments," Working Papers 1262, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Econometric Research Program..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:metric:wp003.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    randomized controlled trials; selective trials; blind trials; incentivized trials; marginal treatment effects; mechanism design; selection; heterogeneous beliefs; compliance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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