NIFA13004U Behavioural and Experimental Economics

Volume 2013/2014
Content

Behavioral and Experimental Economics has received wide recognition. For example, the Nobel Prize in Economics has in 2002, 2009, and 2012 been awarded for contributions to Behavioral and Experimental Economics. The methodology of Behavioral and Experimental Economics is to revise the standard economic models of human behavior by integrating psychological, sociological, and neuroscience research in to the economic science.

As a student in this course you will learn about this methodology some of these behavioral theories which are enriching our understanding of key social science phenomena, and learn how these theories are tested in behavioral experiments. You will learn how to master the analytical method behind behavioral and experimental economics through readings of academic papers and books, through lectures and classroom discussions, through active participation in demonstration experiments, and through development of your own course project.

The insights acquired in the present course are complements (and not substitute) to the insights learned in the course “Biases, Motivations and Choice Architecture” taught by Marco Piovesan in bloc 2. Taking both courses is not a requirement.

Learning Outcome

As a student in this course you will learn about behavioral theories which are enriching our understanding of key social science phenomena, and learn how these theories are tested in behavioral experiments. You will learn how to master the analytical method behind behavioral and experimental economics.

Knowledge:

- The notion of behavioral and experimental economics

- Understanding of what behavioral biases are

 

Skills:

- Explain the difference between standard economics and behavioral economics thinking

- Exam behavioral biases through own experimental testing

 

Competences:

- Conduct behavioral experiments in the laboratory

- Understand the mechanism behind real-world phenomena and what possibly produces them

 

Adcademic papers and books
The course combines discussion-based class sessions, class based experiments, group work, and group presentations through course projects. Your learning process depends on your active participation in class as well as outside the classroom. You are strongly encouraged to bring your observations into the classroom.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 50
  • Preparation
  • 50
  • Project work
  • 50
  • Project work
  • 56
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination
Written examination, 2 timer under invigilation
The grading in this course consists of two parts. Part 1: A 20 minutes long group presentation of the groups' course project. Hereafter 10 minutes for questions from assigned discussants (other students) and the lecturer. The presentation and the responses to the questions count 50% of the final grade. Part 2: a two hour written essay exam in one of the topics covered in the course. This exam counts the remaining 50% of the final grade.
Exam registration requirements
-
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Re-exam
If 10 or fewer register for the reexamination the examination form will be oral.
Criteria for exam assesment
The grade 12 will be achieved if the student fulfill the learning outcome.