Spring 2022 - ECON 329 D100

Experimental Economics (3)

Class Number: 4030

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2022
    Tue, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 and ECON 105, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Covers experimental methods that are used to test existing theories of rational and behavioural economic decision making in a number of environments related to markets, different institutions, as well as strategic situations. Introduces and discusses methodological tools needed to design, run and analyze experiments. Students who have taken ECON 383 Selected Topics - Experimental Economics in Fall 2011, Fall 2012, Summer 2013, Spring 2014, Summer 2014, Fall 2018, or Spring 2019 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course uses experimental economics methods to study economic decision-making in a variety of interesting economic environments. The objective of experimental economics is to test the predictions of the existing theories and models and study human behavior in settings that involve markets, different institutions as well as strategic behavior. Furthermore, we will discuss the methodological tools needed to design, run and analyze experiments.

Each week you will participate in one or more sample experiments during the class or tutorial session, and your performance on these experiments will contribute to your final grade.  In addition, the class requires a lot of reading, writing and in-class discussion. Thus, regular attendance of classes and tutorials  is essential for good performance.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • In-Class Quizzes 15%
  • Comparative Paper 20%
  • Midterms (2) 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Experimental Methods: A Primer for Economists. D Friedman and S. Sunder 1994. Cambridge Press. 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Markets, Games, & Strategic Behavior, C. Holt, 2007, Pearson Education, pdf available online. 

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.