Scalable protocols offer efficient design for field experiments

Abstract

Experiments conducted in the field allay concerns over external validity but are subject to the pitfalls of fieldwork. This article proves that scalable protocols conserve statistical efficiency in the face of problems implementing the treatment regime. Three designs are considered: randomly ordering the application of the treatment; matching subjects into groups prior to assignment; and placebo-controlled experiments. Three examples taken from voter mobilization field experiments demonstrate the utility of the design principles discussed. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Political Methodology. All rights reserved.