Experimental Economics

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of experimental economics with a focus on contemporary methods used in applied microeconomics and economic policy research. Students will study the foundations of causal inference and the rapid expansion of field experiments as a central tool for empirical research during the last fifteen years. The course explains how field investigations have become a primary experimental method across multiple areas of economics including development, labor, environmental policy, and public finance. Students will learn how to design, implement, and interpret field experiments, and how to evaluate their value for policy questions that require credible causal evidence. This course provides essential methodological training for students working in applied microeconomics and economic policy. It will be offered annually and is intended for advanced master’s and doctoral students who aim to strengthen their understanding of empirical strategies that support rigorous policy analysis.