Experiments in economic sociology

Kurzfassung/Abstract

This entry provides an overview of experiments in economic sociology. It introduces experiments as a specific set-up and sequence of cause-probing research, which involves the deliberate setting in motion of a causal process, by manipulating presumed causes of interest. Furthermore, it contextualises experiments within the counterfactual framework of causation, outlines the criteria of internal and external validity used to judge the quality of causal inferences from experiments and depicts the most relevant types of experimental designs (experiment, quasi-experiment, natural experiment). Finally, it illustrates the application of experimental research strategies in various settings such as laboratory, field and survey.