The State of Experimental Research on Corruption Control

Our chapter discusses experiments on corruption, with an emphasis on corruption control. We begin by recognizing the barriers to conceptualizing and measuring corruption as an outcome variable. Given our shared experience studying direct instances of bribery through field experiments, we also reflect on the unique challenges to designing and executing field experiments of this sort. Our chapter also reviews experiments whose treatment activates some form of accountability mechanism. A recent trend in the literature emphasizes mechanisms that empower the electorate to hold government officials accountable; however, a separate line of research examines the effectiveness of civil society and autonomous government bodies, such as anti-corruption agencies. Aiming to be as comprehensive as possible, we include a review of studies that test the role of wages and similar incentives to promote honest behavior among government officials. Our chapter critically reviews experiments with the aim of informing the next generation of experimental research on corruption.