BBus (Honours) (Economics), Currently completing PhD at QUT
Thesis topic
“Bridging the gap between economics and evolutionary theory: An interdisciplinary approach towards a better understanding of human behaviour”
Thesis project
Over the past several decades, the field of behavioural economics has emerged to closely examine human behaviour that deviates from the neo-classical assumption of Homo Economicus, or rational man. It is within this field that economists have borrowed ideas from cognitive and social psychology to better understand human economic behaviour. However, one issue/critique of behavioural economics is that it tends to describe how behaviour deviates from standard models, rather than why people behave in particular ways. It is the candidates’ belief that adopting theories from the field of evolutionary biology and psychology can lend support to this critique and economics more broadly to allow for a better understanding of human behaviour.
Supervisor details
Professor Uwe Dulleck – Principal Supervisor – School of Economics & Finance – QUT Business School
Professor Benno Torgler – Associate Supervisor – School of Economics & Finance – QUT Business
Dr Stephen Whyte – Associate Supervisor – School of Economics & Finance – QUT Business
Projects
- A behavioural economics perspective on COVID-19 and human decision-making
- Behaviours that threaten Australia's Biosecurity
- Nudge, Hug, Smack or Shove: Testing Approaches to Enabling Consumer Energy Use Behaviour Change
- The Role of Personality, Emotion, Cooperation, Resources and Attractiveness Across Sexualities in Australia
- Understanding small business success and viability