Preference Heterogeneity in Experiments: Comparing the Field and Lab

Andersen, S.; Harrison, G.W.; Lau, M.I.; Rutström, E.E.

doi:10.1016/j.jebo.2009.09.006

Preference Heterogeneity in Experiments: Comparing the Field and Lab

Andersen, S.; Harrison, G.W.; Lau, M.I.; Rutström, E.E.

Authors

S. Andersen

G.W. Harrison

Professor Morten Lau m.i.lau@durham.ac.uk
Professor

E.E. Rutström

Abstract

Do laboratory experiments provide a reliable basis for measuring field preferences? Economists recognize that preferences can differ across individuals, but only a few attempts have been made to elicit individual preferences for representative samples of a population in a particular geographical area, region or country. Our primary objective is to directly compare estimates of preferences elicited from a convenience sample and the estimates for the wider population from which that sample is drawn. We examine the strengths and weaknesses of laboratory and field experiments to detect differences in preferences over risk and time that are associated with standard, observable characteristics of the individual.

Citation

Andersen, S., Harrison, G., Lau, M., & Rutström, E. (2010). Preference Heterogeneity in Experiments: Comparing the Field and Lab. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, 73(2), 209-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2009.09.006

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	Feb 1, 2010
Deposit Date	Oct 25, 2010
Journal	Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Print ISSN	0167-2681
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	73
Issue	2
Pages	209-224
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2009.09.006
Keywords	Field experiments, Laboratory experiments, Preferences, Risk aversion, Discount rates.
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1516230