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Experimental and Behavioral Economics

Analytical Thinking
Communication
Critical Thinking

Course Description

A comprehensive overview of the design, execution, and analysis of experiments inspired by behavioral economics, emphasizing applications in diverse settings. Students will explore foundational experimental games and the corresponding literature that underpin contemporary research in experimental economics.


Athena Title

Experimental & Behavioral Econ


Prerequisite

ECON 8010


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student learning Outcomes

  • Students will develop an understanding of behavioral economics research and empirical experimental literature, with a focus on testing behavioral theories through classic economic experiments.
  • Students will gain proficiency in using tools and strategies for designing and conducting experiments and collecting decision-making data in laboratory and field settings.
  • Students will learn to design rigorous experiments tailored to address specific research questions in economics or policy.
  • Students will learn to apply the econometric tools needed to analyze data from experiments.
  • Students will enhance skills in effectively communicating the methodology, findings, and implications of economic experiments in both written and oral formats.

Topical Outline

  • 1. Introduction of experiments: experimental terminology, some common statistical methods
  • 2. Key elements in experimental design
  • 3. Behavioral economics
  • 4. Classical lab experiments I: dictator game, guessing game, centipede game
  • 5. Classical lab experiments II: public good provision and common pool resources
  • 6. Market experiments & experimental auctions
  • 7. Bolts and knots in implementation: recruitment, ethics, etc.
  • 8. Pre-analysis plan, power analysis, hypothesis testing
  • 9. Lab in the field experiments and field experiments

Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.


Communication

The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.


Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.



Syllabus


Public CV