AØKK08129U Seminar: Behavioral Economics in Action

Volume 2015/2016
Education

MSc of Economics
The seminar is primarily for students at the MSc of Economics

Content

Over the last 30 years, psychologists and economists have gained a deeper understanding of what motivates people, how they process information, and what non-economic features of the choice environment influence decisions. This seminar builds on this recent work of behavioral economics and allows the student to develop a hands-on approach and learn how the context can be modified to “nudge” choice. Emphasis will be on presenting and discussing specific topics in this literature: for instance, energy efficiency, health and well-being, dishonesty and behavioral economics of education.

Learning Outcome

  1. Students will review the most recent finding of behavioral economics and apply them in the context of energy efficiency, health and well-being, dishonesty and behavioral economics of education.

  2. Student will identify the causes of a specific irrational behavior and analyze the consequences of this behavior for the society.

  3. Students will design (or conduct) experiments and policy interventions aiming at ameliorate societal well-being and improve people’s life.

  • Sunstein, Cass and Thaler, Richard (2008). Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Yale University Press.

  • Ly, K., Mazar, N., Zhao, M., Soman, D.; (2013) A Practitioner's Guide to Nudging; Research Report Series, Rotman School of Management.

  • Dolan, P., Hallsworth, M., Halpern, D., King, D. & Vlaev, I. (2010). MINDSPACE: Influencing behaviour through public policy. UK Cabinet Office & Institute for Government.

  • Madrian Brigitte C. (2014) Applying Insights from Behavioral Economics to Policy Design. Annu. Rev. Econ. 2014. 6:30.1–30.26

  • Egan M. (2013) Nudge Database. Stirling Behavioural Science Blog.

  • A number of journal articles on specific topics.
B.Sc. of Economics
This seminar does not require any previous knowledge of behavioral economics (but it is recommended). The references reported above introduce to the topic. However, students should have some basic knowledge of microeconomics, statistics and econometrics (basic courses taught at BA level).
Introduction: The course will be introduced by 3 lectures, which outline the main idea and the relevant literature. More information about the lectures will be available in Absalon before the course starts.

Students are required to write a 12-page paper on a subject of their own choice within one of the course’s main themes. The paper can take various forms. One possibility is to do thorough analysis and discussion of some journal articles published in prominent economics journal. A second possibility is that students conduct their own experimental intervention where they replicate and/or extend a published paper and/or propose alternative experimental design. The teacher will assist students with the experimental design.

Autumn 2015:
Friday, September 11 2015 (9:30-11:00, 12:30-14:00, 15:00-16:30)
Presentation days: December 15 and 16 2015

Spring 2016:
Metings: Feb. 10.th, 17.th and 24.th 2016 13-15
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Project work
  • 200
  • Seminar
  • 6
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
A written seminar paper.

Included in the seminar is an oral presentation for the others participans at the seminar app 25 minuts oral presentation and 10 minuts discussion.
Exam registration requirements

Attendance on the seminar. The mandatory commitment paper and seminar paper have been handed in at deadline.

Aid
All aids allowed

Al aids for the written seminarpaper.

For the oral presentation: No restriction, students can organize their presentation as they prefer. 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
up to 20 % censorship at the seminarpaper
Exam period

Autumn 2015:

Presentation days: December 15 and 16, 2015

Deadline for submitting the seminar paper is 21 December 2015 at 23.59

 

Spring 2016:

Deadline for submitting the commitment paper is Marts 1, 2016 

Presentations: May 18 and 19, 2016

Deadline for submitting the seminar paper is May 26 2016 at 10 AM

For enrolled students more information about examination, exam/re-sit, rules etc. is available at the student intranet for Examination (English) and student intranet for Examination (KA-Danish).

Re-exam

Submission of a written assignmetn and an oral exam in which you may be examined in the presentations of the other students participating in the seminar during the enrolment period in question.

Criteria for exam assesment

The student must in a satisfactory way demonstrate that he/she has mastered the learning outcome of the course.