23788 Behavioural Economics Research
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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.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04440 Master of Behavioural Economics OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04465 Master of Behavioural Economics (Extension)
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)
| 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 to lead behavioural economics 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 |
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| Weight: | 45% |
| Length: |
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| Criteria: |
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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: |
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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.