ECON 476
Behavioral Economic Theory and Methods
Fall 2015
Division II
This is not the current course catalog
Class Details
The field of behavioral economics emphasizes that economic models should account for the psychological plausibility of its assumptions and consequences. This course will systematically review the ways in which prominent behavioral economics models of decision-making differ from the classical models found in standard microeconomics textbooks, including how these differences add to our understanding of the psychological processes that underlie economic models. The material will also rigorously introduce the many methods that behavioral economists use in order to empirically verify these models. These methods include using laboratory experiments, field experiments, and observational data to causally infer the effects of various psychological incentives on our decision-making in different contexts. In some cases, these methods may include biological or neurological measures, such as fMRI. Class discussions will cover applications of these behavioral models to many disparate contexts that could include asset markets, firm-level strategy, public sector policy, and managerial decision-making. Students will be expected to analyze academic papers that are appropriate for advanced undergraduate economics students.
The Class:
Format: seminar
Limit: 19
Expected: 15
Class#: 1950
Grading: yes pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Limit: 19
Expected: 15
Class#: 1950
Grading: yes pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
an original research paper, several short paper critiques, oral presentation(s), class participation
Extra Info:
not available for the fifth course option
Prerequisites:
ECON 251 and (ECON 255 or STAT 346)
Enrollment Preferences:
Economics majors, seniority
Distributions:
Division II
Class Grid
-
HEADERS
Column header 1
CLASSESColumn header 2DREQColumn header 3INSTRUCTORSColumn header 4TIMESColumn header 5CLASS#
-
ECON 476 - 01 (F) SEM Behavioral Economic Theory
ECON 476 - 01 (F) SEM Behavioral Economic TheoryDivision IIMR 2:35 pm - 3:50 pm
Physics 1141950
Megamenu Social