Bridging the Gap: From Lab Experiments to Real Behaviour – with Jan Stoop
From Game Changer - the game theory podcast by TWS Partners
March 4, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the reliability of lab experiments in predicting real-world behavior with Jan Stoop.
Can we trust lab experiments to predict real-world behaviour? In this episode, we explore the question of external validity together with Jan Stoop. From classic dictator games in the lab to misdelivered envelopes with real cash in private homes, we discuss whether people act differently when they are being observed - and what happens when established lab findings meet reality. We also talk about rich versus poor behaviour, financial stress, and why small "hassle costs" can create large inequalities in outcomes. Jan Stoop is Associate Professor at Tilburg University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. His research focuses on behavioural and experimental economics, with a particular emphasis on pro-social and unethical behaviour, financial stress, and inequality. He is known for creative field experiments that rigorously test whether laboratory results hold in real-world settings.
People in this episode
Guest: Jan Stoop
Topics covered
- external validity
- lab experiments
- real-world behaviour
- financial stress
- inequality
- pro-social behaviour
Keywords
- lab experiments
- real-world behaviour
- financial stress
- inequality
- pro-social behaviour
- dictator games
- hassle costs
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Tilburg University, Erasmus University Rotterdam
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