Workshop on Virtual World Experiments in Economics
- Saturday, 07 July 2007 04:54
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 April 2012 17:33
This summer (2012) the Center for the Study of Neuroeconomics at George Mason University will host the second annual IFREE sponsored workshop from July 23rd - July 27th, from 9-4 daily at George Mason University's Arlington Campus. The topic -- Virtual World Experiments in Economics -- will be taught by Professor Kevin A. McCabe. This workshop is for high school students who have finished their sophomore, junior or senior year. Students who have taken an AP course in Computer Science or its equivalent will be given priority admission. This workshop does not assume any previous study in economics. Through the generous support of IFREE, students will pay nothing to attend the workshop. Registration is limited to sixteen students with open enrollment until June 30, 2012, or until all spots are filled through our rolling admissions process. Further details are given in the FAQ's below.
What will I do?
- Saturday, 07 July 2007 04:54
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 April 2012 17:18
Workshop students will participate in experiments to learn about economics and how experiments can be used to study economics. Participants will also work together on teams, assisted by CSN summer interns, to design, build and script an experiment inside a virtual world. A typical day will proceed as follows:
8:45 a.m. Arrive for Workshop
9:00 a.m. Participate in Demonstration Experiment
10:00 a.m. Discussion of Experiment
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Lecture on the Economics Behind the Experiment
11:45 a.m. Break
12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) and Team Meetings
1:00 p.m. Work on Virtual World Skills and Student Projects (snacks provided)
3:30 p.m. Team Meetings and Team Reports
4:00 p.m. End of Day (students who wish can continue until 5:00 p.m.)
Why should I attend?
- Wednesday, 20 August 2008 05:11
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 April 2012 17:27
For students with a interest in science, technology, engineering, or math, this is the perfect science based introduction to economics. For students who have already taken economics, this workshop will expose you to some of the cutting edge research in experimental economics. This workshop costs nothing, but as any economist will tell you -- this workshop is not free. We expect you to dedicate your time and effort to make the workshop a rewarding experience for everyone. In addition you will get.
- Money: Students will earn money each day based on their decisions in the experiments.
- Opportunity: To be a future intern at the CSN
- Text book: Scripting Recipes for Second Life, by Jeff Heaton
- T-Shirt: To remember the workshop
- USB flash drive file: To run your creation on Kitely
- Lunch and Snacks: Every day
Where is the workshop?
- Saturday, 07 July 2007 04:54
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 April 2012 17:19
The workshop will be held at George Mason University on the Arlington campus in Founders Hall (rooms 206 and 209) at 3351 Fairfax Dr.
How do I apply?
- Saturday, 07 July 2007 04:54
- Last Updated on Monday, 16 April 2012 17:28
We will take applications until June 30th and will use a rolling admission until all sixteen slots are filled. The application form is short but please fill it out completely and send it to Professor Kevin McCabe at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In addition, please send a short essay (no more than 450 words) describing why you would like to take this workshop. If you have any question concerning the workshop contact Professor McCabe by email or by phone at 703-993-9441.