Topics in Behavioral and Experimental Economics
The purpose of the seminar is to critically discuss recent developments in Behavioral and Experimental Economics in a small group of advanced students. The course educates students to become critical consumers of current research in behavioral and experimental economics and aims at inspiring students for their own research projects.
Method: In the first session, I briefly present the topics and the papers. Each student selects one paper on which s/he is “in charge”, and 3 papers on which s/he submits questions in writing. The discussion in class is organized as follows: The person “in charge” briefly presents the paper (max. 10’). Students who handed in comments / questions briefly explain their contribution as an input to the discussion. The person in charge should be able to summarize each section/paragraph of the paper in his or her own words at any time during the discussion. All participants are expected to participate in the discussion and contribute their own thoughts and views on the papers.
Requirements: Participants are expected to have taken classes providing an introduction into the field, for example “Principles of Behavioral and Experimental Economics” (BA, UK 040110) and ideally also “Behavioral and Experimental Economics” (MA, 040832). Foreign students with similar background are very welcome. In addition, a sound knowledge of microeconomics and game theory is required.
Participation in the first class is compulsory. You cannot participate in this course if you do not attend the first session (7.10.)
Grading:
- Grading for the person "in charge" has two components. 1) Presentation of the paper (20%). Hand in your slides 24h before your seminar presentation through Moodle. 2) Performance in structuring the discussion, in navigating the group through the paper and in answering questions of fellow students (and the instructor) (20% of final grade).
- Students are requested to read all papers and to actively participate in discussion (20%). As grading is based on active participation in the course, you must not miss more than two sessions.
- Hand in questions and comments to at least 3 papers (max. 2 questions per paper). Comments should be critical and may, for example, relate to the experimental design, the validity of the analysis, or the interpretation of results. Provide a short explanation for why your question may be relevant or interesting (max. 1 page per question). Best 2 attempts count. Hand in your comments and questions 24h before the seminar through Moodle (40%).
Successful completion of this course earns students 4 ECTS credits.
Schedule
(see Moodle)