Consultancy General Economics and Teaching

Research methods in behavioral economics and neuroeconomics

Vasil Stoyanov - Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Received: 14 Aug 2022
Revised:
Published:
Downloads: 0
Citations: 0
Issue 2/2017
JEL D03 B4 D87
DOI https://doi.org/10.56497/etj1762206

Abstract

The reasons leading to the emergence of behavioural economics as a distinct field of economics in the mid-twentieth century are briefly presented. The four main research methods used in behavioral economics are discussed in chronological and historical order: laboratory experiments involving alternative hypothetical choices; laboratory experiments involving real rewards for participants; field studies; and conducting experiments in real settings. We also review two other research methods that are used primarily in the field of neuroeconomics - functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation.

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