23730 Research Project in Behavioural Economics

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Economics
Credit points: 12 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ((36 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04440 Master of Behavioural Economics OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04465 Master of Behavioural Economics (Extension)) AND 23788c Behavioural Economics Research)
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.

Description

Students research a theoretical or experimental question in behavioural economics and write a research report on their results. The students are also required to produce a written review of the academic literature relevant to their topic. Students meet regularly with their supervisor from the Economics Discipline Group throughout their enrolment in the subject. This subject is designed for students who want to investigate a specific topic in-depth and those aiming to work in research-oriented positions.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Critically review of an area in the behavioural economics academic literature, identifying gaps to be addressed by future research
2.	Design and execute an appropriate research study to examine an area in behavioural economics
3.	Collaborate effectively with supervisor and peers to obtain constructive feedback on their proposal and develop an effective research program
4.	Communicate research clearly in a manner suitable for academic audiences

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:

Develop novel solutions to address behavioural economic factors in business problems, including the methods to evaluate them (1.1)
Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver effectively negotiated outcomes (2.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject will provide students with the core research skills required to work in research roles or continue to further research-oriented study.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):

Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
Communication and collaboration
Professional and technical competence

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is offered as self-directed study with research supervision.

Supervision
Students meet regularly with their thesis supervisor over the semester to develop their research project. Feedback will also be provided via a research proposal workshop.

Peer review and feedback
Online sessions and the research proposal workshop will provide opportunities for group discussion of research projects. Students will provide feedback.

Content (topics)

Developing a research question
Effective research practices
How to review the literature
Academic writing

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Literature Review (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 4
Weight:	20%
Length:	No more than 4,000 words (excluding bibliography)
Criteria:	Depth of critical analysis of existing behavioural economic literature Identify key contributions of existing research to highlight themes, problems, and gaps Clarity of communication

Assessment task 2: Oral presentation of research proposal (Individual)*

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.2
Weight:	10%
Length:	Presentation of up 30 minutes
Criteria:	Research proposal critically engages with existing research and applies appropriate behavioural economic concepts Proposal is clearly conveyed in a manner appropriate to the audience Demonstrates ability to seek feedback from peers and supervisors and to respond appropriately *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero

Assessment task 3: Written research report (Individual)

Objective(s):	This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 1.1
Weight:	70%
Length:	Research report is no more than 12,000 words
Criteria:	Project critically examines existing research Conclusions provide new insight/analysis into the topic, are supported by evidence & analysis, and include appropriate methods to test possible solutions Logical structure and clear expression of reasoning suitable for an academic audience

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

There is no required textbook.

References

Students will read literature relevant to their research report.