Final Thesis
Masaryk University Experimental Economics Laboratory (MUEEL) is also open to all students from MUNI who want to conduct experiments as part of their final thesis.
Some of the students' final theses are listed below:
Fundraising in non profit organisations - experimental approach
by Ľuboš Turis, Diploma thesis 2023
Language of the thesis: Slovak
Abstract:
With the usage of a field experiment, the work aims to test the presence of a behavioral phenomenon, the anchoring effect in donor decision-making, and its applicability in fundraising practice. The results of the thesis show that by using the anchoring effect in the form of providing higher proposed amounts, it is possible to increase the average donated amount statistically significantly. The results also indicate that irregular donors are affected by the anchoring effect to a greater extent than regular donors, and that small donors anchored to higher amounts donate statistically significantly more, even half a year after the implementation of the original campaign. On a practical level, the work formulates specific recommendations for the selected non-profit organization and general conclusions for the Czech non-profit sector as a whole.
What influences the willingness to invest in climate protection?
by Katarína Glejtková, Master's thesis 2023
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
Geoengineering, mitigation, and adaptation can all be used to combat climate change. A wide range of research in the adaptation domain has been made in the sustainable investment field. Despite extensive studies on individuals and financial factors, more studies still need to incorporate sustainability into the classic triangle of risk, return, and liquidity. Therefore, we conducted a choice experiment, including a portfolio with a higher ESG ranking. Sustainability had a distinct and significant impact in addition to the traditional risk and return variables. Additionally, we found students of Business or Finances are less likely to choose a sustainable portfolio. Secondly, we build on prior research on climate change mitigation, indicating dictator game might fit the real-life decision situation better. Our findings are consistent with the mean contribution with earlier research regarding the contributions to CO2 retirement but differ in the median contribution. We also study the correlations between individuals' contributions and individual-specific variables. Men were less likely to contribute than women. Finally, we discovered a positive correlation between participants' actions in climate change adaptation (higher ESG ranking portfolio) and mitigation (CO2 offset).
Learning in contest experiments
by Alžbeta Breznická, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: Slovak
Abstract:
The aim of the thesis „Learning in contest experiments“ is to show which of the selected learning models - the general Experience-weighted attraction model, the nested Reinforcement or the nested Belief-based model best describes player behavior and convergence to a Nash equilibrium. The models are estimated on data from an experiment that is based on the concept of the classical Tullock lottery. This is a contest experiment in which two players decide how much to invest in a contest for a prize that only one of them can win. The maximum likelihood method is used to estimate the parameters of the learning models. Since two of the selected learning models are a reduced form of a more general learning model, their fits are compared by a likelihood ratio test.
Peer effects and environment: Survey experiment
by Daniela Kršiaková, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: Slovak
Abstract:
The main topic of this diploma thesis is the financial contribution of respondents to carbon offsets. The main research method was an experimental survey, which was completed by 213 respondents in age from 18 years old. Respondents were randomly divided into two groups – experimental and control group. The willingness of respondents to contribute to carbon offsets and the amount of the contribution were examined by means of manipulation in a survey experiment. The results suggest the existence of several factors that affect the ecological behaviour of respondents. Among these factors was evident the existence of the peer effect studied, i.e. the influence of a certain group of people on the ecological behaviour of others.
Externalities and corruption: survey experiment
by Artem Bolotov, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The aim of the submitted thesis “Externalities and corruption: survey experiment” is to estimate the effect of negative externalities on level of tolerance towards corruption acts. The theoretical part is dedicated to the review of corruption issue, methods of studying corruption and literature review on previous corruption experiments. The second part of the thesis elaborates on the survey design and analyses gathered empiri-cal evidence. The factorial design and multiple linear regression model were chosen to analyze the results of the survey. According to the findings, negative externalities have a statistically significant effect on level of tolerance towards corruption acts.
by Lucie Hudcová, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
This thesis investigates whether the source of inequality affects the willingness to cheat. An experiment using oTree software was designed and performed for the data collection. The results show a presence of cheating and that feeling treated unfairly increases the chances of the possibility of cheating. However, our hypothesis that people who are told that their higher payoff was determined by their above-average performance will cheat more than those who are not was not confirmed.
by Zuzana Kočí, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The research of social preferences is interesting precisely by the possibility of its application across all sectors, whether private or business. The aim of the work is to examine the vulnerability response of a sample of financial advisors. The work is based on a lab-in-the-field experiment, the response to the recipient's vulnerability is examined via a dictator game with a check for a deal or gift. Data were collected online using a questionnaire that simulated the game. The results of the work are in line with previous research; however, they are skewed due to the low level of anonymity of respondents and the low sample.
Transfer penalties in urban public transport
by Anna-Maria Wanková, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: Czech
Abstract:
The aim of this diploma thesis is to estimate the transfer penalty in the context of public transport in Brno, especially depending on the time spent in the vehicle, walking, and waiting for the next connection. Using a questionnaire survey, stated preference data are obtained and the subsequent parameter estimation is performed using a binary logistic regression model. The value of the penalty is then expressed by substituting the marginal utility of the transfer and the extra time spent in the means of transport. The first part of the thesis presents the theory of transfer penalty and summarizes the findings of other studies on a similar topic, the methodology of data processing and collection is described in the next part, and in the final part of the work the results are interpreted.
Behavioral finance micro: asymmetric dominance effect in investment decision making
by Lucia Kamasová, Bachelor's thesis 2022, received The Dean's Award
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the asymmetric dominance effect. The thesis aims to identify the asymmetric dominance effect in individual investment decision-making. The thesis is divided into a theoretical part and a practical part. The first two chapters form the theoretical part. In the first chapter, the field of behavioral finance micro and asymmetric dominance effect will be introduced. The second chapter focuses on investing, investment instruments, and the protection of the retail investor. The third chapter will introduce the design of an experiment conducted to identify the asymmetric dominance effect in individual investment decision-making. At the end of the third chapter, hypotheses are formulated. The fourth chapter reports experimental results and in discussion analyzes the possibilities of the occurrence of the asymmetric dominance effect in financial markets.
An experiment in behavioral economics
by Alexandra Vassová, Master's thesis 2022
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The aim of this work is to test whether anonymity is a factor that increases the incidence of behavior known as moral hazard using the experiment as a research method. Our experiment is based on the experimental study by Angelova and Regner (2018a), which studies remedies against moral hazards in markets for expert services. To determine the role of anonymity, we study the effects of the opposite condition, identifiability. We implement a modified experimental design of an interactive multiplayer "sender-receiver" game which allows us to fully isolate the effect of identifiability. Then, we investigate whether reputation, which is a consequence of identifiability, improves the quality of the sender's advice and thus reduces the moral hazard. We also review reputation’s effects on the trust of receivers. Our findings demonstrate that in contrast to anonymity, which increases moral hazard, an individual's reputation is an effective tool for enhancing both the quality and credibility of advice.
Elicitation of polarized preferences by Bayesian truth serum
by Rastislav Štefunko, Master's thesis 2021
Language of the thesis: Slovak
Abstract:
This thesis is devoted to efficacy of method Bayesian truth serum if participants have polarized preferences. Bayesian truth serum is quantitative scoring method, which assesses honesty of responses and should motivate their truthful reporting. Online experiment was programmed and conducted by using oTree software to collect the data sample. Design of the experiment was based on the study by Frank et al. (2017) which tested validity of Bayesian truth serum on participants having linear preferences. Design for linear preferences was replicated and modified by adding testing on polarized preferences. Our findings did not confirm impact of Bayesian truth serum on honesty rate by improving the data neither on testing for linear nor polarized preferences.
The impact of previous results on effort in contests
by Petr Hanzlík, Master's thesis 2021
Language of the thesis: Czech
Abstract:
The objective of this master thesis is to determine how participants of contests react to information about their position relative to their opponent. The main interest is how being slightly behind affects participants' exerted effort. It was further examined whether this effect is the same for males and females. Based on the gathered data, it is not possible to confirm that contestants adjusted their effort after receiving the information. However, females reacted more strongly than males to the information about their position.
The impact of losing on effort to catch up: a laboratory experiment
by Martin Both, Master's thesis 2021
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
This work is based on Berger and Pope (2011) which finds a discontinuity of predicted winning chance for home teams losing by a single point at half-time in two basketball leagues of NBA and NCAA. They additionally confirm their findings by a laboratory experiment, in which they find a higher increase in effort for slightly losing players. We recreate the original lab design but also propose a modified experimental design to recheck the previous findings. We used an online experiment in oTree to collect the data sample. Our findings confirmed the results of the original laboratory experiment that players who are slightly losing at half-time work harder than those who are slightly ahead. We found this effect with both recreated and our modified experimental design, but both suffer from a low number of observations. Moreover, we also found no evidence for the presence of complacency or dropping out..
Reference point: status quo or expectation?
by Veronika Navrátilová, Master's thesis 2021
Language of the thesis: Czech
Abstract:
The objective of this master thesis is to determine whether the reference point in the prospect theory is formed on the basis of the status quo or expectations. The work includes an economic experiment, which conceptually replicates Abeler et al.’s research (2011). The experiment is modified in a way that both reference points are clearly defined. The bootstrapping method is used to determine the confidence interval of the frequency of reference points. Based on collected data, it can be stated that the reference point is formed on the basis of the status quo.
Behavioural Economics and taxation: a perspective on tobacco consumption and tobacco tax
by Andrea Bruni, Master's thesis 2021
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
My thesis project aims to examine how behavioural economics is a valuable reference tool in the taxation field. Methods: 1. Behavioural economics's evolution over the years, the differences with the standard method, and the most prominent theories. 2. The role of behavioural economics on taxation, with particular reference to tax compliance and tax salience. 3. A practical application of behavioural economics evidence on tobacco consumption and tobacco tax. 4. Conducting a survey among cigarette smokers and former smokers in the Czech Republic to examine their behaviour and actual perception of corrective taxation.
Tips not kept: How will people tip if they know waiters don’t keep their tips
by Ondřej Dohnal, Bachelor's thesis 2020
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
This bachelor thesis uses a laboratory experiment to explore if and how people will tip when they know waiters pool tips, or have to give them to the restaurant owner. First, we provide a literature review and a background of tips not being kept by waiters. Then, we introduce our experimental design. Finally, we analyze the obtained data and provide conclusions and a discussion.
Experimental measurement of transfer penalties in the context of public transport
by Kateřina Gižová, Master's thesis 2020
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The diploma thesis’ goal is to identify transfer penalty in the PT system of Brno city by utilizing an innovative data-acquiring method of economic experiment. The secondary objective of the study is set to explore the existence of hypothetical bias in transfer research data as well as identify other elements contributing to people’s transfer behaviour. Economic experiment is executed in the Masaryk University Experimental Economics Laboratory. The transfer penalty as well as hypothetical bias are explored by observing experiment’s participants who state their preferences regarding different comparable routes that can be distinguished by the number of transfers.
by Katarína Čellárová, Master's thesis 2018, received The Dean's Award
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The objective of this master thesis is to design a laboratory experiment that would model bullying and to test the effect of selected factors on it. I compare the features and emotions invoked by experiment to those connected to bullying. I study the role bystanders have in bullying, with exploring two reasons why bystanders may choose not to intervene to stop bullying. The first reason is the different social identity of the victim. Bystanders might also tolerate bullying because of the fear of retaliation, as the intervening bystander might expect to become a victim in the future. I find that while the different social identity of the victim makes the bystander more likely to tolerate bullying, fear of retaliation has no significant effect on her choice.
Detecting deception in a setting with asymmetric information
by Petr Jurečka, Master's thesis 2018
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The goal of the thesis “Detecting deception in a setting with asymmetric information“ is to conduct an experiment regarding deception spotting as a potential tool to diminish the effects of information asymmetry. The first part concentrates on reviewing related literature regarding information asymmetry and deception detection. The second part focuses on conducting a modified experiment (Belot, Van de Ven; 2017) with added role of observer to examine the differences in accuracy of deception detection among differently involved participants.
by Hedvika Navrátilová, Master's thesis 2018
Language of the thesis: English
Abstract:
The objective of the Master‘s Thesis, called "Estimating time preferences", is to estimate time preferences for the population of Czech and Slovak students using standard experimental methods. In addition to this estimation, the objective is also to explore the relationship between time preferences and life experiences with near-person death caused by cancer, Body Mass Index, and commuting to a high school to another city than the student lived in.