A pdf version of the syllabus

Reading calandar.
ID = psyc7536
you will need a password

Overview

This doctoral seminar will examine descriptive models of decision making with an emphasis on underlying psychological processes.  Taking Prospect Theory as our starting point, we will examine in some detail the theory’s various theoretical and empirical implications.  We will also emphasize recent theoretical and empirical studies of the interplay between choice, emotion, physiology, and contextual factors.  

Readings

Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (2000). Choices, values, and frames. Cambridge University Press. (KT).

Purchase this book from Amazon.com or some such source.  Additional readings can be accessed via the course web site. 

Participation and presentation (50%)

All students are expected to participate in class discussion.  Each week two “discussion leaders” will guide our conversation about the readings.  Leaders will communicate with me prior to class to plan discussion topics. 

Final paper (50%) 

Each student will write a research proposal paper (15 page limit).  This paper should outline an experiment or series of experiments that would constitute an important empirical and theoretical advance in the study of decision making.  The proposal should present an original research idea, a brief literature review, hypothesis, and a research design.  Each student will present a brief summary of the proposed research during the last two weeks of class.