Economic behaviour is essentially social behaviour. Behaviours like gambling, saving, bargaining, consumption all refer to social contexts. As a consequence, social psychology has much to offer to economics. In this course we will focus on what social psychology can contribute to the understanding of such economic behaviours.
We will seek answers to questions like:
“How does personality come into play?”
“How rational is economic behaviour?”
“What about emotions?”
“Are we only motivated by self-interest?”
“How do we deal with uncertainty?”
In the search for answers we will concentrate on how the assumptions of economic theory compare to the most recent insights in social psychology. For this purpose we will read and discuss up-to-date articles in economic and psychological journal articles and book chapters as well as classic studies that had a major impact on the development of psychological and economic theory. Students will prepare the meetings by reading the literature, and actively participate in the discussions. The course will end with a final exam.
Coordinator
Prof.dr. E. van Dijk
E-mail: dijk@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Aims
The student:
Has specialized knowledge of social psychological theories about behaviour and decision-making in social contexts and organisations.
Has thorough knowledge of subjects (within and beyond the specialization) that may be of importance for the use of these theories (i.e., social psychology, behavioural economics).
Can at basic level make use of theories that are common in social psychology.
Literature
Journal articles and book chapters to be announced via Blackboard.
Examination
Written final exam.
From January 1, 2006 the Faculty of Social Sciences has instituted the Ephorus system to be used by instructors for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. Please see the Additional Rules and Regulations, section 6.
Requirement(s) for application or advice
Master students MSc in Psychology
Education method(s)
Seminars/lectures and final exam.
Enrolment
Introduction and enrolment for courses of the first semester will take place August 27th 2009. Introduction and enrollment for courses of the second semester will take place in January 2010.
More information will be available at the website of the Institute of Psychology.
NB: Exam and re-exam registration will take place via U-Twist, and will be open between a month and a week before the (re)exam. Students who haven’t registered, cannot participate in the (re)exam.
Blackboard
Information available on www.blackboard.leidenuniv.nl