This is an introductory course on experimental economics. The purpose is to introduce experimental economics to students so they can have an overview of this field and (hopefully) start their own research. You are expected to present a paper with your team members, and write an individual research proposals. Specific goals of this course include:
1. Introduction to experimental economics: After this class, students are expected to be able to name several experiments performed in each fields of economics, and describe how the results affirm (or differ from) economic theory and/or field data.
2. Experimental design: After this class, students are expected to understand how to design and run an experiment. Students will also write a research proposal that:
a. Proposes an economic experiment (with sample subject instructions), satisfying:
i. Real Incentives (so choices have real consequences),
ii. A Good Control Group (to compare with Treatment group),
iii. Random Assignment (to the Treatment and Control groups),
iv. No deception (to establish reputation so real incentives are believed).
b. Argues why should we care about this experiment and why the experiment is designed this way (compared to other possible designs), and,
c. Relates your experiment to existing literature (if any) and describes expected results and/or methods to analyze the data (or simulation results).
3. Evaluate most current research: After this class, students are expected to develop the ability to read recent journal articles in experimental economics, and evaluate the quality of the papers. During class, students are expected to read assigned journal articles and book chapters and present one article and/or one chapter in class. |