An introduction to the main issues and research findings underlying decision-making and judgment under uncertainty. The focus is on the contrast between the normative theory of judgment and choice, and the psychological principles that guide decision behavior, often producing biases and errors. Students will consider political, medical, and financial decision-making, poverty, negotiations, and law, along with the implications of the findings for the rational agent model typically assumed in economics, throughout the social sciences, and in policy making.

Sample Reading List

• Thaler, R. & Sunstein, C, Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health Wealth and Happiness
• Mullainathan, S., & Shafir, E., Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much
• Shafir, E. (Ed.), The Behavioral Foundations of Public Policy

See instructor for complete list.

Reading/Writing Assignments

60-80 pages a week, and weekly assignments (short papers, problem sets)

Requirements/Grading

• Mid term exam - 25%
• Final exam - 35%
• Class/precept participation - 15%
• Other (see instructor) - 25%

Other Requirements

• Open to Juniors and Seniors Only.

Prerequisites and Restrictions

Introductory statistics for social science or equivalent.

Other Information

WWS course online waitlist form - http://wws.princeton.edu/intranet/student-program-offices/undergraduate/forms/course-waitlist-request

Reserved Seats

• Open to PSY Concentrators Only 15 (L01)
• Open to WWS Seniors Only 10 (L01)