Disentangling lab in the field experiments

This thesis focuses on the so-called lab in the field experiments (LFEs) in economics. The interest in this particular method is motivated by two main factors: i) the recent explosion of the use of LFEs within economics and ii) the existence of an ongoing debate about what LFEs mean; if they have distinctive traits compared to other experimental methods previously developed.

Ultimately, the overall question sought to be answered is: Do LFEs mean something? This project will attempt to tackle this interrogation by constructing three separate articles each with a particular research question and method. Each article will answer one of the following questions:

1.What are the distinguishing characteristics of LFEs according to the existing literature? How are these characteristics reflected in the publication patterns of articles that include LFEs?

2. What are the historical and methodological motivations of LFEs and what is the role of the relationship between researchers and participants within these?

3. How does the practice of conducting LFEs and the practices surrounding it determine its validity?