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ECON40G15: Behavioural & Experimental Economics

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Economics

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop specialised knowledge in theories of behavioural economics and test these theories using methods in experimental economics.

Content

  • The module is designed to combine the behavioural approach in economics with active classroom experiments. These experiments illustrate simple economic situations, such as markets or auctions, and are used to highlight several economic ideas. We will critically review studies of economic behaviour in markets, bargaining, auctions, game theory, and public choice. We will also discuss key aspects of individual behaviour in isolation, in particular choice under uncertainty and choice over time.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • have an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of Behavioural Economics.
  • understand how research into Behavioural Economics is conducted.
  • have a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of experimental methods in economics.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • assess the implications of Behavioural Economics in theory and practice.
  • critically evaluate experiments in economics and the resulting behavioural insights and theoretical predictions.
  • design experimental treatments that can identify and test these predictions.

Key Skills:

  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem Solving and Analysis;
  • Using Initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • A combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module. Classroom activities and experiments will be used to illustrate how research in Behavioural Economics is conducted and how results are interpreted.
  • The summative assessment is an individual assignment of 2,500 words designed to test students' knowledge and critical understanding of the material covered in the module, their analytical and problem-solving skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures101 per week 2 hours20 
Seminars41 per fortnight1 hour4Yes
Preparation & Reading126 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Individual Assignment2500 words (max)100%same

Formative Assessment

Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar, or posted on BLU; feedback on discussions with teaching staff during consultation hours, or via e-mail.

More information

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