Essays on Experimental Economics

Abstract

This doctoral thesis consists of three empirical essays that have in common the use of robust research designs to test the hypothesis set out in each chapter. The first chapter uses a randomized controlled trial in a laboratory environment to test the comparative statics predictions of a new approach to collective action games based on the method of stability sets. The second chapter uses a field randomized controlled trial to estimate the learning impact and cost-effectiveness of two different teacher training methods, the structured curricula and coaching, in state schools of Argentina. Finally, the third chapter uses the insights of Big Data to analyze a large dataset that combines information on more than 9,500 articles published in the top five economic journals with detailed yearly citation data obtained from Google Scholar. This chapter quantifies one dimension of economic research not addressed previously, namely, the extent to which life cycles of economic research articles differs across research fields.