Course 2017-2018 a.y.

Classes: 31 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 31: SALVATORE NUNNARI

This course provides an overview of controlled laboratory experiments in the social sciences, with a strong emphasis on applications in political science. Covered topics include public good provision, bilateral and multilateral bargaining, voting and political participation, elections and candidate competition. We discuss the methodological foundations of laboratory experiments, learn how to design an experiment, and explore the interplay between the theoretical predictions and the behavior observed in the laboratory. Students participate in laboratory experiments in the classroom and are asked to design a novel laboratory experiment to test an hypothesis on political behavior.

• Introduction to Laboratory Experiments and Laboratory Methodology.
• The Logic of Collective Action/Voluntary Provision of Public Goods.
• Social Cooperation.
• Bilateral Bargaining.
• Multilateral Bargaining.
• Voting and Political Participation.
• Elections and Candidate Competition.

The grade is based on in class participation (10%) and on a term paper presenting a fully worked out design for an experiment (90%).

Lecture notes and materials which are made available on the course website. Students are required to purchase a license for MobLab (www.moblab.com) to participate to in-class laboratory experiments with their peers.