Behavioral and Experimental Economics
In this course, students learn about the economic consequences of making psychologically more
realistic assumptions about individual behavior. We will discuss experimental evidence from the lab and the field that is inconsistent with the predictions of the standard economic approach. To make sense of the data, we will enrich the classical model by incorporating non-standard time, risk, and social preferences. In addition, we will discuss belief and choice biases that can be observed empirically.
CONTENT
In this course, students learn about the economic consequences of making psychologically more
realistic assumptions about individual behavior. We will discuss experimental evidence from the lab and the field that is inconsistent with the predictions of the standard economic approach. To make sense of the data, we will enrich the classical model by incorporating non-standard time, risk, and
social preferences. In addition, we will discuss belief and choice biases that can be observed
empirically.
TOPICS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this module students get to know
- the main evidence for the relevance of non-standard preferences, biases in belief formation and economic decision making,
- the main economic models that incorporate these insights and policies that allow to incorporate the findings, and
- policy conclusions that can be drawn from behavioral economic insights.
ORGANIZATION
The lecture will take place in presence. In integrated exercises, the material of the lecture is deepened and applied. Active participation in the exercises is highly recommended since the exam assignments are closely oriented to the material of the exercises.
All teaching materials and current information can be found in the associated Moodle course:
https://moodle.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/course/view.php?id=45043
Until the start of the course you can enroll in the Moodle course without a password. Afterwards,
please contact Dr. Feldhaus (christoph.feldhaus@rub.de) to request the password.
Lecturers:
Information material (PDF Download):
Registration modalities:
For participation in the exam, self-registration by the students via FlexNow is
absolutely necessary. The regular registration period for exams in the summer
semester 2022 via FlexNow runs from 23.05. to 17.06.2022. The deregistration
period for exams via FlexNow ends one week before the respective exam.
Always check the website of the examination office for the latest changes:
https://www2.wiwi.rub.de/pruefungsamt/informationen-uebersichten/
Examination: Final exam.
Start: 6. April 2022, 14:00-15:30 GD 03/158
Please note that participation in the exam is not possible if you do not register or register late in
the FlexNow system!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Lecture incl. exercises
Each week there will be a lecture in presence. A part of this time will be used to solve exercises. The
lecture is held by Dr. Christoph Feldhaus and takes place on Wednesdays 14:00-15:30 in GD 03/158.
Registration procedure
To access the course material and updates, students need to register on the e-learning platform
Moodle. The registration for the exam is only possible through FlexNow within the deadlines as
published by the Examination Office.
SELF STUDY
You are expected to prepare and follow up the lecture by studying the slides and trying to solve the
exercises yourself before the tutorial. By constantly working through the course material, you have a
high chance of successfully passing the exam.
LITERATURE AND WORKING MATERIALS
Lecture presentation slides, exercise assignments, and any additional materials will be provided on
Moodle
Type
lecture
Event number
073234-SOSE22