Topics in Experimental Economics (ECON40020)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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The subject aims to provide a foundation for original research in the fields of behavioural and experimental economics. First, it explores how behavioural economics extends traditional economics by incorporating insights into human behaviour derived from other fields such as psychology and sociology. Students will be exposed to both empirical research that investigates pattern of behaviour which deviates from standard economic assumptions, and theoretical research that aims to incorporate these behaviour in tractable models. Second, the subject familiarises students with experimental methodology, analysis of experimental data, and the range of application of experimental methods in economics, such as the evaluation of economic theories and behavioural assumptions, as well as their applications to policy research.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Learn to conduct laboratory and field experiments as a method for empirical investigation;
- Learn to evaluate the predictive power of different economic theories by designing appropriate experiments;
- Master econometric methods specifically used in the analysis of experimental data; and
- Evaluate the contribution of behavioural economics to economic knowledge.
Generic skills
On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:
- High level of development: oral communication; written communication; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; use of computer software; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
- Moderate level of development: collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON40001 | Advanced Microeconomics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON90079 | Advanced Experimental Economics | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Recommended background knowledge
Undergraduate level work in experimental and behavioural economics (equivalent of ECON30019 and ECON30022).
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Assignment
| Week 4 | 10% |
Assignment
| Week 8 | 10% |
Presentation
| Second half of the teaching period | 20% |
Final Essay
| End of semester | 60% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
Not available in 2025
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Last updated: 4 March 2025