Research

The research labs of C-SEB

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Experimental research

In order to produce dependable knowledge, empirical research must rely on a sound database. At C-SEB, data is gained chiefly through economic and psychological experiments performed with volunteer subjects. These investigations are carried out either as field experiments in a “natural” environment or as laboratory experiments using custom-equipped computer workplaces.

In laboratory experiments, subjects solve simple decision problems or other cognitive tasks for which they receive material or cash rewards. Some experiments are designed to test or to refine theories, others validate real-life institutions or envisaged ones in a “wind tunnel” test. The results help the researchers to understand how humans make decisions and how this decision-making behavior can be described by formal theories.

The laboratories of C-SEB

To carry out behavioral science experiments successfully, a well-equipped laboratory infrastructure is necessary. At C-SEB, scientists will find more than 100 computerized laboratory workplaces at their disposal on the UoC’s campus. Thus, economic and cognitive decision-making situations can be simulated and observed in these laboratories using the most advanced technology.

C-SEB facilities include the Cologne Laboratory for Economic Research at the UoC’s Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, as well as the laboratories of the Social Cognition Center Cologne at the Faculty of Human Sciences. While the economics labs are situated centrally near the University’s main building, the psychology labs are, among others, located in the basement of the main cafeteria and in front of UoC’s University Library.

Participation in experiments

CLER-Poster Participation in experiments is voluntary and open to everybody. At the start of each experiment, participants are given extensive instructions on what to do and which decision problem they are facing. No special knowledge or prior skills whatsoever are needed. While money can be earned in some experiments, participants are given material compensation in others. Disbursement will depend on the given experiment and, in part, on one’s own decisions and those taken by other participants.

Anyone interested in economic science experiments can sign up in the online database of the Cologne Laboratory for Economic Research; for psychological studies, registration is possible at the Decision Lab Cologne or at SoCCCo-Studien. Upon commencement of each new experiment, prospective participants will be notified by e-mail and can then register.

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