Web-based experimental economics software: How do they compare to desirable features?

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Chan, SW
Schilizzi, S
Iftekhar, MS
Rosa, RDS
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2019
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Web-based experiments that cut across the lab vs. field distinction are increasingly popular with economists. However, non-standardized software features and services hinder comparability and replication. This study reviews a wide selection of experimental economics software packages and evaluates them against criteria based on the logistics and operational requirements of economic experiments. We find that oTree and SoPHIE rank highest across criteria, but Veconlab and classEx might be suitable for those with a dominant need for a large library of ready-made experiments. We find a portability gap: no presently available software allows portability of experiments across platforms because of technical complexity and the challenging coordination needs of experimental economists. As a result, experiments may be replicated only on the same platform or with the same software, but general replicability is slow and costly. This constrains the development of experimental economics as a replicable science.

Journal Title

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

23

Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Environment and resource economics

Social Sciences

Business, Finance

Business & Economics

Experimental economics

Web-based

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Chan, SW; Schilizzi, S; Iftekhar, MS; Rosa, RDS, Web-based experimental economics software: How do they compare to desirable features?, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, 2019, 23, pp. 138-160

Collections