Behaviour, Choices and Markets

Code: RPAS2010NOV01
If you wish to be considered for funding under this research theme, please ensure that you quote this code on your application form under 'Intended Source of Funding' (if using the downloadable form) or 'Name of Proposed Supervisor' (if applying online).

The principle aim of Behaviour, Choices and Markets is to create a platform for a comprehensive investigation of behaviour and choice within markets and society. This is set within an all-embracing framework interpreted through the perspectives of economic and social science principles. Incentives and choice lie at the heart of human behaviour and through societal interactions can result in multitudinous market outcomes (national and international) often with far reaching consequences. Inherent within the project is an inter-disciplinary approach drawing upon fundamental social science methodologies. The outcomes of the project will generate knowledge and intellectual curiosity about the impact of behavioural interactions on the welfare of society.

Available studentships

The available studentships are:

These studentships may cover Home/EU or Overseas tuition fees. In addition, the committee awarding studentships for the project may be able to allocate some funds towards maintenance.

Closing date: Friday 6 April 2012. Please note that all supporting documentation, e.g. transcripts, references, research proposals, etc., must have been submitted to the Admissions Office by the closing date. The University cannot guarantee that an incomplete application will be considered.

Possible Research Titles and Topics

Principal Investigator: Dr. John Skåtun
Applicants are strongly advised to contact the principal investigator or a member of the supervisory team before submitting their application form and research proposal.

While these are not exhaustive of the thesis topics the project may consider supporting, they do give a fairly clear idea of the types of projects which the supervisory team would be keen to see investigated. 

Energy Markets
Exploring energy markets, where important areas include:

• the design of royalty / taxation / profit sharing terms;
• the impact of licensing and taxation arrangements on economic recovery;
• the security of oil and gas supplies;
• the impact of regulatory and economic factors on decommisioning;
• the economics of environmental and natural resources.

Experimental Economics
Utilising the experimental laboratory at Aberdeen (SEEL) to investigate strategic interactions and behaviour in mainly non-cooperative games. The use of laboratory methods facilitates the study of aspects of human behaviour that are difficult to observe directly in naturally occurring economic contexts but which nevertheless contribute to a range of isuues affecting organisations and markets, such as:

• the provision of public goods;
• bargaining behaviour;
• coordination activities;
• learning;
• effects of different organisational rules on market outcomes.

International Real Estate Investment
Investigating structural and institutional dimensions of intermational property investment in the New York office market, including the literature claims that:

• international ownership and occupation change the character and risk of a property market, tying it more directly into the international financial system;
• information asymmetries faced by international property investors lead them to underperform their domestic counterparts.

Labour Market Studies
Topics relating to either one or more of the following:

• The effects of education on labour market outcomes.
• Occupational and spatial mobility and the impact of immigration on economic variables.
• Labour market flexibility and the level of earnings inequality, low pay, unemployment and labour market discrimination.
• Labour in the National Health Service.
• Health and safety in the work place.
• Work and well-being.
• Wage structures and their effect on economic performance.