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Misbehaving’ RCTs: the confounding problem of human agency

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  • Kabeer, Naila

Abstract

This paper argues that the theoretical model of causal inference underpinning RCTs is frequently undermined by the failure of different actors involved in their implementation to behave in ways required by the model. This is not a problem unique to RCTs, but it poses a greater challenge to them because it undercuts their claims to methodological superiority based on the ‘clean identification’ of causal effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Kabeer, Naila, 2020. "Misbehaving’ RCTs: the confounding problem of human agency," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 102940, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:102940
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/102940/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. N/A, 2011. "Books For Review," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 25(1), pages 190-190, March.
    2. Naila Kabeer, 2019. "Randomized Control Trials and Qualitative Evaluations of a Multifaceted Programme for Women in Extreme Poverty: Empirical Findings and Methodological Reflections," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 197-217, April.
    3. Paul Shaffer, 2011. "Against Excessive Rhetoric in Impact Assessment: Overstating the Case for Randomised Controlled Experiments," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(11), pages 1619-1635.
    4. Christopher B. Barrett & Michael R. Carter, 2010. "The Power and Pitfalls of Experiments in Development Economics: Some Non-random Reflections," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 32(4), pages 515-548.
    5. N/A, 2015. "Books for review," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 29(5), pages 890-890, October.
    6. White, Howard, 2009. "Theory-Based Impact Evaluation," 3ie Publications 2009-3, International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).
    7. N/A, 2015. "Books for review," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 29(4), pages 699-699, August.
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    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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