ECON30390 Experimental Economics

Academic Year 2020/2021

Experimental economics investigates economic questions using experimental methodology to gather empirical insights into human decision making. In recent years, experimental research experienced a remarkable surge and is in progress of becoming part of the standard economics toolbox. It frequently challenges the standard framework of rational agents. This module introduces experimental methods in economics and covers classic experiments on individual decision making, markets, bargaining and social dilemmas. Students will complete an experimental group project and write a report. The assessment will be based on a 2-hour end-of-term exam, the experimental report and participation. Students are required to bring a laptop or smart device to the lectures to participate in classroom experiments.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will have:

- Developed a thorough understanding of experimental methods in economics and good scientific practices for conducting economic experiments.
- Detailed knowledge of classic economic experiments that test hypotheses derived from economic theory.
- Gathered practical experience in planning, conducting and analysing an experimental project.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Practical

30

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes lectures and tutorials. Throughout the course, students participate in interactive classroom experiments using their smartphones. This technology-enhanced teaching approach allows students to experience an economic decision-making problem, work on a solution and receive real-time feedback, promoting active and experiential learning. This module also involves a group project, for which students design, conduct and analyse their own classroom experiment. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: < Description > 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Essay: < Description > Week 10 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive detailed feedback on the progress of their group project during tutorials. Students will be provided with detailed written feedback on their assignment. Students will be provided advice on how to improve any deficiencies identified in order to prepare for the exam.