Experimental Economics Project and Dissertation

Module description

Through this module you will become familiar with the methodology of experimental economics by becoming involved in all aspects of an experiment (eg, design, programming, recruitment, conducting the experiment, and evaluation). Under the supervision of an experienced experimental researcher, you will provide support for a specific experimental economics project and report on this experience in the dissertation. You will be expected to provide a first overview and review relevant literature in the regular MSc seminar run by the Department of Economics.

Full module specification

Module aims

The aim of the module is to make students familiar with the methodology of experimental economics by involving them in all aspects of an experiment (eg design, programming, recruitment, conducting the experiment, and evaluation). Under the supervision of an experienced experimental researcher, the student will provide support for a specific experimental economics project and report on this experience in the dissertation. The student will provide a first overview and review relevant literature in the regular MSc seminar run by the Economics department.

ILO: Module-specific skills

• 1. contribute to developing an experiment to reinforce the understanding of economics, by interaction with a research group.
• 2. administer an economics experiment, including setting-up computers, administering sign-up and payment of students
• 3. under supervision, to produce statistical reports on evaluating the experiments
• 4. become familiar with all aspects of experimental research.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

• 5. identify appropriate experiments to enhance understanding of core economic problems.
• 6. report on all aspects of a research project
• 7. assemble and synthesise a complex body of relevant, existing research.
• 8. utilise appropriate analytical or statistical techniques to reach an answer to a previously defined research question.

ILO: Personal and key skills

• 9. pursue, under supervision, a sustained program of individual work outside of a classroom setting.
• 10. evaluate critically existing ideas and to perceive areas of weakness or areas which may be usefully analysed.
• 11. complete, as an individual, a multistage task within a defined period, as assisted by the supervision process.
• 12. demonstrate enhanced problem-solving abilities and time management skills

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Syllabus plan

In the first 2 semesters, students help to run an experimental research project. The exact timing depends on the timetable of the FEELE lab and is to be agreed with the supervisor.
Seminar presentations: from week 3 onwards
Writing and submission of dissertation to a deadline in September to be announced.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:
Students will read recent research articles relevant to their specific project following introductory textbooks as in the list below:
T.C. Bergstrom and J.H.Miller: Experiments with Economic Principles, McGraw Hill 1997;
J.D, Hey, Experiments in Economics, Blackwell 1991;
J.H. Kagel and A.E. Roth, Handbook of Experimental Economics, Princeton University Press 1997;
C. Camerer: Behavioral Game Theory, Experiments in Strategic Interaction , University Press 2003;
R.H. Thaler, Advances in Behavioral Finance, Russel Sage Foundation 1993;

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Origin date

17/07/2014

Last revision date

17/12/2015