Behavioral empirics and field experiments

As the study of behavioral operations continues to grow, an increasing number of researchers are turning to the field (e.g. conducting observational studies or natural or field experiments) to push deeper in order to find the answers to relevant behavioral questions. Field data can bring richness to any study seeking to explain real-world phenomena and can complement lab experiments. This not only creates the potential for additional insight but also helps to overcome methodological challenges (while at the same time adding new challenges). By turning to the field, it is possible to expand the scope of behavioral operations management such that it continues to build theory that is both rigorous and relevant. Altogether we hope this chapter would aid behavioral operations management scholars in utilizing a variety of empirical approaches to conduct research that utilizes field data to advance scholarship and practice.