Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shiyan-jingji-xue
Have you ever wondered if people actually make decisions the way economic theories predict? If you’re curious about the fascinating intersection of human psychology and economic principles, then Coursera’s ‘Experimental Economics: Behavioral Game Theory’ course is an absolute must-take.
This advanced course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts of experimental economics. It’s designed not just to teach you the theories but to equip you to conduct your own research in this dynamic field. Throughout the eight weeks, you’ll engage with weekly video lectures that break down complex topics, supplemented by assignments that reinforce your learning. A key component of the course involves delving into seminal journal articles, providing you with a direct look at how economic theories are tested and validated (or refuted!) through empirical research.
What truly sets this course apart is its hands-on approach. You’ll participate in online experiments, offering a firsthand experience of behavioral game theory in action. The course culminates in a significant project where you’ll report on a research paper, and importantly, peer-review the work of your classmates. This not only sharpens your analytical skills but also exposes you to diverse perspectives and research methodologies.
The syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, starting with the very definition of experimental economics and its relation to other economic branches. It then dives deep into behavioral game theory, using engaging examples like the Ultimatum Game, Industrial Organization experiments, and beauty contest games to kickstart your learning. You’ll explore individual decision-making, learning how risk and time preferences are measured, and master the art of experimental design by understanding key elements like real incentives, control groups, randomization, and ethical considerations.
The course doesn’t shy away from the complexities of social preferences, examining how factors like fairness, guilt, and envy influence our economic choices through games like the Prisoner’s Dilemma and Trust Games. It also tackles the intricacies of mixed strategies with experiments like Rock-Paper-Scissors and Matching Pennies, demonstrating how closely human behavior aligns with theoretical predictions in these scenarios.
Furthermore, you’ll explore the dynamics of bargaining and negotiation, comparing different experimental formats and analyzing the impact of information asymmetry. The concepts of dominance and iterated reasoning are thoroughly explained through experiments like the Centipede Game, highlighting the role of beliefs about others’ rationality. The course even touches upon multi-level thinking, explaining behavior in games like Hide-and-Seek.
The ‘Experimental Economics: Behavioral Game Theory’ course is more than just an academic exercise; it’s an invitation to understand the ‘why’ behind economic decisions. Whether you’re an undergraduate economics student looking to specialize, a graduate student wanting to conduct empirical research, or simply a curious individual fascinated by human behavior, this course provides the knowledge and practical skills to excel. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shiyan-jingji-xue