ECON 7229 - Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments IV

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course covers fundamental findings in behavioural economics such as social preferences (envy, greed, altruism) reciprocity and bonded rationality [first six weeks]. In the second part, the empirical side of behavioural economics is taught. The methodology of experimental economics is explained using a real research project the students will be designing and conducting.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ECON 7229
    Course Behavioural Game Theory and Experiments IV
    Coordinating Unit Economics
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Assumed Knowledge ECON 3503 or ECON 7062
    Restrictions B.Ec (Honours) & Economics Postgraduate coursework programs
    Assessment Typically, 40% task in the design of an experiment, 60% exam & assignment
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Ralph-Christopher Bayer

    Office location: Nexus 10, Level 4, Room 4.19
    Phone: 8313 4666
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1 Students are expected to know and derive equilibria in games according to standard solution concepts
    2 Students are expected to be able to critically assess standard game theory according to its appropriateness for describing human behaviour
    3 Students are expected to apply behavioural game theory concepts with the aim to explain observed human behaviour
    4 Students are expected to be able to formulate interesting research questions that can be answered using economic laboratory experiments
    5 Students are expected to be able to develop a design for an experimental project
    6 Students are expected to understand how participant recruitment (with ORSEE), and experimental treatment programming (with ztree) works
    7 Students are expected to be able to conduct an experimental sessions in a team
    8 Students are expected to understand how and be able to analyse experimental data
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 3, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4, 5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 2
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Required journal articles, Lecture notes and book chapters will be distributed
    Recommended Resources
    Reading lists to the topics chosen after consulting with students will be made available
    Online Learning
    MyUni (https://myuni.adelaide.edu.au) will be used to communicate efficiently as a group and to post material such as articles, reading lists, class notes, etc
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will use a wide variety of learning modes. The four contact hours will be used for:
    Lectures, tutorials, practical instruction and group work.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    On average I expect students to spend about 4 hours per week for reading, solving practice examples, preparing projects and studying. The time required may vary across students and topics.
    Learning Activities Summary
    WEEKS                             TOPICS
    1 - 3 Classical Game Theory (assumptions, solution concepts and behavioural consequences)
    4 - 5 Behavioural Topic I (proposed: cooperation and social preferences)
       6 Behavioural Topic II (proposed: reciprocity and psychological games)
    7 - 8 Behavioural Topic III (proposed: bounded rationality)
    9 - 10 Methodology of Experimental Economics
      11 Conducting an Experiment
      12 Analysing Experimental Data
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assignment 25%
    Project report 25%
    Exam (3hrs) 50%
    Assessment Detail
    • The assignment is given to the students before the mid-semester break and is due in the first class in week 7.
    • The class will together conduct a series of experiments, where tasks are distributed across students. Students will write a project report at the end of the project.
    • The exam covers the whole material of the course. No materials or calculators are allowed.
    Submission
    Work that is submitted late will not be accepted. Except in the cases outlined in the University policy on modified arrangements for assessment. Students are given feedback on their work (assignment and project report) within 2 weeks of submission.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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