B030715 - Experimental economics Lab.

English

The experimental method is one important tool in the typical economist’s toolbox. It provides a method to test theoretical predictions, explore human behavior in specific economic environments, help design institutions, advise on policy, and search for patterns and regularities. The workshop deals with the methodological, historical, and practical aspects of Experimental Economics, illustrated by examples and applications taken from the literature.

Articles, handouts, and other material will be made available by the lecturers.

The main goal of the course is to provide an introduction to the theory and practice of experimental economics. At the end of the course, students should have acquired the set of basic tools which are necessary to independently conduct an experiment (online, in the lab, or in the field) and to understand the existing experimental literature.

The course will provide an overview of the methods used in experimental economics to study people’s behavior. It will explain i) why there is a need for controlled experiments in empirical economics, ii) how to design and implement controlled experiments, and iii) what sort of knowledge experiments can produce about economic matters.

Principles of Microeconomics and Game Theory. Basic mathematics-statistics-econometrics.

Lectures, class experiments, class discussion, lab sessions.

Class attendance is mandatory.

More details about the course on the Moodle page at e-l.unifi.it.

Class participation, homework and
design of an experimental project