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Experimental Methods
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:34
Abstract
This course introduces PhD students into the principles of experimental methods in economics and outlines how to prepare, conduct and evaluate an experiment.
Objective
This course aims to prepare PhD students for conducting their own experiment.
Content
1. Introduction: What are economic experiments and why to use them? 2. Principles of economic experiments: Validity, control and limits. 3. Choice of experimental design: Subjects, repetition, matching, payment. 4. Conducting experiments: Instructions, testing, recruiting, sessions. 5. Measuring techniques: Eliciting beliefs, risk attitudes, social preferences. 6. Evaluating experimental data: A short overview. 7. Participants' presentations & discussion of their experimental design
Resources
Literature
Books: - Bardsley et. al (2009): Experimental Economics: Rethinking the Rules, New Jersey, Princeton University Press. - Weimann & Brosig-Koch (2019): Methods in Experimental Economics. Springer. Basic Articles: - List, Sadoff & Wagner (2011): So you want to run an experiment, now what? Some simple rules of thumb for optimal experimental design. In Experimental Economics, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 439-457. - Roth (1988): Laboratory Experimentation in Economics: A Methodological Overview, Economic Journal, pp. 974-1031. - Smith (1994): Economics in the Laboratory, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 8, pp. 113-131. A readling list with articles for each lecture will be published in Moodle.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Experimental Methods
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 12 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
Doctoral Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (More Information at: )