natural field experiment (NFE)

A Natural Field Experiment (NFE) is an experiment conducted in a natural setting, such as in a natural environment or within a population. It involves the manipulation of variables to examine the effects of these changes on the population or environment. NFEs differ from laboratory experiments in that they take place in real-world settings and are conducted in an uncontrolled environment. Consequently, they are useful for studying complex interactions that occur among natural processes. This type of experimental approach can also reveal underlying social and psychological effects, such as psychological bias and unintended consequences of policy decisions.