Whither ethics in research? randomized controlled trials at the nexus of technocratization and Eurocentrism

Abstract

The use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a methodological approach has become ubiquitous across disciplines, particularly in development economics. Building on the existing scholarship critiquing the widespread deployment of RCTs, this paper argues that the lack of a nuanced engagement with the concept of objectivity creates fertile grounds for the technocratization of social science research. The technocratic discourse that shapes the use of RCTs makes them susceptible to two potential dangers: perpetuating politics of partner organizations and Eurocentrism. To illustrate these issues, this paper utilizes a recently published RCT titled ‘Randomizing Religion’ as a case study. Two important conclusions are drawn by analyzing the case. First, a lack of engagement with the worldviews and assumptions from which causal mechanisms are drawn leads to a normative imposition of a Eurocentric social reality onto the marginalized communities in the Global South. Second, participation in the activities of a partner organization during the conduct of the RCT requires researchers to reflect on the organization's politics and its ramifications for marginalized communities. Finally, this paper contributes to an ongoing conversation about including strong reflexivity in the conduct of research in economics.