Using Field Experiments in Accounting and Finance

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Floyd, Eric; List, John A.
• 署名单位: Rice University; University of Chicago; National Bureau of Economic Research
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING RESEARCH
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-8456
• DOI: 10.1111/1475-679X.12113
• 发表日期: 2016
• 页码: 437-475
• 关键词: measuring social preferences; MYOPIC LOSS AVERSION; market experience; prospect-theory; management; incentives; INFORMATION; Auditors; returns; false

摘要

The gold standard in the sciences is uncovering causal relationships. A growing literature in economics utilizes field experiments as a methodology to establish causality between variables. Taking lessons from the economics literature, this study provides an A-to-Z description of how to conduct field experiments in accounting and finance. We begin by providing a user's guide into what a field experiment is, what behavioral parameters field experiments identify, and how to efficiently generate and analyze experimental data. We then provide a discussion of extant field experiments that touch on important issues in accounting and finance, and we also review areas that have ample opportunities for future field experimental explorations. We conclude that the time is ripe for field experimentation to deepen our understanding of important issues in accounting and finance.