Frontiers of Institutional Analysis : Game Theory・Causal Inference・Instrumental Variables

セイド　ケンキュウ　ノ　フロンティア　ゲーム　リロン　インガ　スイロン　ソウサ　ヘンスウホウ

オオクボ, ショウキ

Okubo, Shoki

オオサカ ダイガク ダイガクイン ニンゲン カガク ケンキュウカ シャカイガク ニンゲンガク ジンルイガク ケンキュウシツ

Sociology, Anthropology and Philosophy, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University

ゲーム理論

実験研究

因果推論

操作変数法

institutions

game theory

experimental design

causal inference

instrumental variables

This paper reviews the latest theories and methods in institutional analysis in the social sciences. First, it makes abundantly clear how the contemporary paradigm of institutional analysis involves an “intellectual trade” that transcends the traditional boundaries of the social sciences. Second, it makes clear that institutional analysis faces a problem of explaining endogenous institutional change. Third, it surveys methods of game theory, causal inference and instrumental variables that are pivotal analytical methods in recent institutional analysis. While these three analytical methods will inevitably remain a formidable challenge, the prospects for game theory, causal inference and instrumental variables in sociology may thus be better than their current reputation would suggest.