July 12 - July 16, 2015
FA
Practitioner FAQ
What is the Summer Institute on Field Experiments?
The Summer Institute on Field Experiments (SIFE) is a week-long program that pairs scholars with representatives from
organizations interested in using experiments to improve their operations. The four-day training course will be composed
of topic sessions, keynote presentations, work sessions, and social events. By the end of the Institute, you will have
identified a project to complete with your academic partners in the coming months.
Is there a cost?
Q
There is no cost to attend (including social events), but we are unable to fund travel expenses to Chicago for practitioners.
What is the attendance requirement for practitioners?
Selected practitioners are welcome to attend all sessions during the four-day Institute held at Saieh Hall for Economics
at the University of Chicago campus (July 12-16, 2015). However, we know that your time is valuable. If selected, we
ask that you attend at least two sessions – one afternoon work session on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and one final
presentation session on Thursday.
Who should apply?
Practitioners that have a desire to solve problems in their organization utilizing field experiments are encouraged to apply.
While it would be helpful to work with organizations that conduct data analytics, a background in data analytics is not
required.
How will participants be chosen?
Our team will review applications and determine which organizations will be the best fit for the pool of selected scholars.
If your organization is not selected, please do not be discouraged! We will consider you again next year. We believe it is
critical to ensure that your interests align with those of the scholars.
What can my organization expect to gain from this?
You will emerge from SIFE with a better understanding of field research and how it can be used to improve operations.
In addition to this learning, you will have developed a specific project to complete with your academic partners in the
proceeding months.
Please see back for specific information regarding session times, speakers and presentations.
Schedule
Sunday, July 12th
3:00pm
5:00pm Check-in at the Hyatt Place Chicago South - 5225 S Harper Avenue
Welcome Reception at A10 (Hyde Park Eatery & Bar)
Monday, July 13th
8:00-9:00
Breakfast and Welcome Remarks
9:00-10:15
“Nuts and Bolts of Design: Part I”............................................ Anya Samek, University of Wisconsin-Madison
10:15-10:45
Coffee break
10:45-12:00
“Nuts and Bolts of Design: Part II”.......................................... Sally Sadoff, University of California, San Diego
12:00-1:30Lunch
1:30-3:30
Featured Presentation..................................................................................... Steven Levitt, University of Chicago
3:30-4:00
Coffee Break
4:00-5:30
Practitioner Perspectives
5:30-6:30
University of Chicago campus tour
Tuesday, July 14th
8:30-9:00
Breakfast
9:00-10:15
“Types of Economic Data” ...................................................................... Michael Price, Georgia State University
10:15-10:45
Coffee break
10:45-12:00
“Power of Replication” .................................................................... Omar Al-Ubaydli, George Mason University 12:00-1:30Lunch
1:30-3:30
Featured Presentation....................................................................................Bruce Sacerdote, Dartmouth College
3:30-3:45
Coffee Break
3:45-5:00
Partnership Meetings
5:30-8:30
Architectural River Cruise and Dinner at Giordano’s
Wednesday, July 15th
8:30-9:00Breakfast
9:00-10:15
“Statistical Tests Using Experimental Data” ..............................................Azeem Shaikh, University of Chicago
10:15-10:45
Coffee break
10:45-12:00
Panel: “Working with Outside Parties” ...............................Stuart Buck (Laura and John Arnold Foundation),
Anya Samek, Michael Price, and Robert Metcalfe (UChicago)
12:00-1:30Lunch
1:30-3:30
“Life is a Lab”.......................................................................................................... John List, University of Chicago
3:30-3:45
Coffee Break
3:45-5:00
Partnership Meetings
Thursday, July 16th
9:00-10:00Breakfast
10:00-12:00
Firm/Academic Partnership Presentations
12:00-1:00Lunch
1:00-2:00
Firm/Academic Partnership Presentations
6:00-7:30
Dinner reception at Quadrangle Club
7:30-8:30
Closing remarks by John List
Thank you for joining us!