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Unfulfilled Promise: Laboratory experiments in public management research

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  • Derrick M. Anderson
  • Barry C. Edwards

Abstract

We make the case for increased laboratory experimentation in public management research. Laboratory experiments can generate useful knowledge, particularly in testing causal relationships among constructs of interest. The challenge in this regard is one of identifying the appropriate role for experiments in a greater knowledge production enterprise. Although laboratory experiments are underutilized, they have proffered important knowledge contributions to the field, especially in areas of decision-making and, increasingly, motivation. Because practical problems may pose a greater obstacle to laboratory experimentation in public management than epistemological issues, we address external validity and the cost of conducting laboratory experiments before concluding with suggestions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Derrick M. Anderson & Barry C. Edwards, 2015. "Unfulfilled Promise: Laboratory experiments in public management research," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(10), pages 1518-1542, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:pubmgr:v:17:y:2015:i:10:p:1518-1542
    DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2014.943272
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    1. Dunleavy, Patrick & Margetts, Helen & Bastow, Simon & Tinkler, Jane, 2008. "Digital Era Governance: IT Corporations, the State, and e-Government," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199547005.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gutierrez Angelica S. & D’Mello Jason Francis, 2020. "Not All Entrepreneurs are Viewed Equally: A Social Dominance Theory Perspective on Access to Capital," Entrepreneurship Research Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, January.
    2. Amanda Rutherford & Thomas Rabovsky & Megan Darnley, 2021. "Compared to whom? Social and historical reference points and performance appraisals by managers, students, and the general public," Journal of Behavioral Public Administration, Center for Experimental and Behavioral Public Administration, vol. 4(1).

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