University of Technology Sydney

23788 Behavioural Economics Research

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 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Economics
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 23717 Trial Design AND 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04440 Master of Behavioural Economics

Description

This subject develops students’ capacity to find, read, and assess research papers in behavioural economics. Students learn how to critically evaluate research through the preparation of a replication report, providing them skills in assessing the robustness and quality of research and the generalisability of behavioural findings to new domains.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Critically read and interpret behavioural economics research
2. Examine how theoretical behavioural economics concepts can be tested through experimental work
3. Critically analyse the contribution of behavioural economics research papers to the broader literature
4. Design a replication of an experimental paper

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

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

  • Convey information clearly and fluently in written, verbal and visual form appropriate for the problem, data and stakeholders (2.1)
  • Synthesise the latest evidence in theoretical and empirical research with quantitative and qualitative expertise in Behavioural Economics to lead professional practice (4.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

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 taught through a blend of online resources, self-directed study, seminars and peer-group learning.

Pre-class activities: Students will read material before class, with each student assigned a reading for which they will lead the discussion. Students will discuss the readings in the learning management system and in class.

Peer engagement and feedback: Weekly online sessions and weekend workshops will provide opportunities for group discussion of assigned readings and the replication projects. Students will provide peer review and the subject coordinator will provide formative feedback.

Replication project: Through the subject, the students will as a group develop a replication report for a published behavioural economics experiment. Students will provide input and peer review. Students will build on their experience by developing their own report on another experiment.

Content (topics)

  • Classic papers in behavioural economics
  • Field experiments
  • Replication
  • Meta-analyses

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Critical reading (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1 and 2

This addresses program learning objectives(s):

4.1

Weight: 45%
Length:
  • Written online introduction to assigned reading: up to 1500 words
  • In class-discussion of assigned reading: 10-minute introduction, discussion moderation up to 30 minutes
  • Participate in the discussion on the Canvas discussion boards: at least 10 papers
  • Participate in the discussion in class: at least 10 papers
Criteria:
  • Clear communication of paper content
  • Analysis of key concepts in the academic literature
  • Critical insight into readings and their application in professional practice

Assessment task 2: Replication report (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 3

This addresses program learning objectives(s):

2.1

Weight: 55%
Length:

Report is no more than 6000 words

Criteria:
  • Critical investigation of the original experiment, the hypothesis being tested and its place in the literature
  • Replication plan is clear and coherently presented in a form appropriate to the audience
  • Experimental design is suitable to test the replicated hypothesis and any proposed extensions

Minimum requirements

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

Required texts

There is no required textbook.

References

Refer to Canvas for the list of papers to be discussed in the subject.