EC387-6-AU-CO:
Experimental Methods in Economics
2024/25
Economics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
20 August 2024
Requisites for this module
EC202
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC C814 Psychology with Economics,
BSC C815 Psychology with Economics (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C816 Psychology with Economics (Including Placement Year),
BSC C817 Psychology with Economics (Including Foundation Year),
BA C841 Economics with Psychology,
BA C851 Economics with Psychology (Including Year Abroad),
BA C861 Economics with Psychology (Including Placement Year),
BSC C148 Economics with Psychology,
BSC C149 Economics with Psychology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C158 Economics with Psychology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC C168 Economics with Psychology (Including Placement Year)
Controlled experiments allow us to address questions that are difficult to answer with observational data. Laboratory experiments have deepened our understanding of individual choice behaviour (e.g., choice under risk), and interactive behaviour (e.g., competitive markets, cooperation games). Experiments enable tests of causal relationships, which has encouraged governments, firms and NGOs to conduct experiments in the field as well as the laboratory. Experimental economists often collaborate with researchers from other disciplines to develop novel methods and insights. This module will introduce students to the promises and challenges of economic experiments for generating knowledge and for analysing alternative policies.
The aim of this module is:
- To introduce students to experimental methods in economics with a focus on issues and principles of experimental design.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Critically evaluate the use of experimental methods in economics.
- Improve their presentation skills and their abilities to engage in critical discussion.
The module structure is different from the traditional format. In weeks 2-4, lectures will be provided to introduce the material and assessments. There will also be an opportunity to take part in an experiment. From week 5, the module is held as a seminar, in which student groups will present and lead a discussion of an original research paper. Short mini-lectures throughout the course will provide supplementary material
The module will be delivered via:
- Lectures/seminars: 20 hours
Lectures and seminars may use the Essex Lab as a tool.
This module does not appear to have any essential texts. To see non - essential items, please refer to the module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Presentation |
|
35% |
| Coursework |
Assignment |
|
60% |
| Coursework |
Class Participation |
|
5% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Daniel Friedman, email: df20392@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Nikhil Masters, email: n.masters@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures: Dr Daniel Friedman & Dr Nikhil Masters
For further information please send an e-mail message to fineco@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Dr Sanna Piritta Nurmikko-Metsola
University of Surrey
Senior Lecturer in Economics
Available via Moodle
Of 14 hours, 14 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Economics
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