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Academic Year 2005/2006

Experiments and Strategic Behavior
ECON 311 SP

This course looks at both what economic theory (specifically a field known as game theory) has to say about strategic interactions and what economic agents (experimental subjects) actually do when faced with strategic decisions. A large number of in-class experiments (with real money payoffs) will be conducted in order to either identify systematic deviations or to confirm theoretical predictions. Students will learn new material first by participating in experiments and then by studying related economic theory.

This course will investigate some of the major subject areas that have been addressed by laboratory and field experiments including market behavior, individual decision-making, strategic and sequential games, bargaining, auctions, public goods, cooperation, trust and gender effects.

MAJOR READINGS

Research papers and class notes available electronically via course web site.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Participation in in-class experiments and assistance in conducting experiments, homework assignments, short in-class quizzes and a research paper. There will be no final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students interested in working towards Honors in Economics are encouraged to consider this course. The research project is a useful way to learn about doing independent research.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ECON    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: ECON301 OR ECON302 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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