The relatively new field of behavioral economics combines the conceptual frameworks of conventional economics with the observation-based insights of psychology. Together, they provide of way of better understanding decision-making in the real world. Knowing the predictable patterns of human behavior leads to more efficient, rational, and profitable results. 

Whether you’re a corporate executive, a project leader, an entrepreneur, or a non-profit organizer, making smart decisions is essential to your success. Understanding how people make decisions and recognizing the predictable biases and blind spots that lead to sub-optimal outcomes will make you more effective in your work. 

An Introduction to Behavioral Economics is designed for anybody whose work requires leading, influencing, selling, or collaborating. Prior coursework in economics is not required. The insights and tools in this program are directly applicable by:

  • Senior and mid-level leaders who work with their teams to make long-term investments in products, operations, and people
  • Entrepreneurs who need to know the pitfalls of relying only on instinct and intuition
  • Sales & marketing professionals who can simplify their customers’ purchase decisions with smart choice architecture
  • Business analysts who want to get their insights across more effectively by understanding context and framing

 

Learning Objectives
  • Recognize how behavioral economics is different than neoclassical economics
  • Discover how to classify behaviors as either System 1 (intuitive) or System 2 (logical)
  • Explore examples of bounded rationality in decision making  
Last updated/reviewed: August 8, 2023
Course Search
10 Reviews (43 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
This explains a lot of things about why & how people make the decisions they do. I really appreciate the explanation of fast & slow thinking. I’ll be delving into this more.

5
Anonymous Author
Interesting discussion of how irrational people can be while making decisions. I was surprised by how dramatic the decision bias was in the March Madness example.

4
Anonymous Author
Basic overview of behavioral economics with examples and ideas for one to ponder when faced with the many decisions that need to be made.

5
Anonymous Author
A good simple overview of behavioral economics. I really enjoyed both of the instructors and I look forward to additional classes.

5
Member's Profile
Insightful course and quite useful. I feel investors would really benefit from this course.

4
Member's Profile
Material is useful but the presentation was somewhat difficult to listen to.

5
Member's Profile
Good intro to the topic. I enjoyed the conversational style.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a very interesting course with skilled presenters.

5
Member's Profile
Found the discussions were fascinating and drew me in.

4
Member's Profile
I enjoyed the back and forth between the instructors.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to An Introduction to Behavioral Economics3:56
  Perceptual and Behavioral Biases6:08
  Examples of Irrational Decisions15:30
  Perfect Rationality and Bounded Rationality15:54
  A Rational Approach to Decisions5:11
  Summary3:19
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  An Introduction to Behavioral Economics49:58
Supporting Materials
  Slides: An Introduction to Behavioral EconomicsPDF
  An Introduction to Behavioral Economics Glossary/IndexPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam