(posted: 2/10/2004)
Call For Papers
Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE) /
International Association for Research in Economic Psychology (IAREP)
2004 Joint Meeting

Dates: July 15 - July 18, 2004

Location: Drexel University, 32nd and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Theme: "Cross-Fertilization Between Economics and Psychology"
The psychological influence on economics can be found in the development of mainstream economics, such as "self-interest" dictates decision-making (Adam Smith), utility based on the human emotion of happiness (Jeremy Bentham), "animal spirit" driving volatile investment behavior (John Maynard Keynes), "rational expectations" rendering public policy ineffective (Robert Lucas), to name just a few. Although the position of the rational choice model in contemporary economics has seemed to be unshakable, a challenge to that model has been emerging. In 1978 the importance of behavioral economics was first recognized officially by the granting of the Nobel Prize to Herbert Simon for conceptualizing bounded rationality and has garnered more attention recently. Thus it is not surprising that the 2001 John Bates Clark Medal was awarded to Matthew Rabin, a behavioral economist. It is encouraging that Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist who introduced the concepts of preference reversal and framing, along with Vernon Smith, a pioneering experimental economist, obtained the Nobel Prize in 2002 for their accomplishments in enhancing behavioral economics. It is time for scholars in the social sciences who are interested in the development of economic psychology, behavioral economics, experimental economics and game theory to get together to foster cross-fertilization between economics and psychology in order to enrich the broader field of social science. The European and North American associations most concerned with these developments welcome colleagues from the rest of the world to convene in Philadelphia in 2004 in order to explore further the continuing collaboration of research that draws on both economic and psychological perspectives.

Hotel Arrangements:
Conference participants are expected to make their own arrangements at the following hotels. Please identify yourself as members of SABE or IAREP for a discount rate:

1. Sheraton University, 36th and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 (located near the conference site). Toll free reservation number: 877-459-1146 (or regular number: 215-387-8000). Fax: 215-387-7920. Basic room rate: $99.00 per night plus taxes. Check-in time: after 3pm. Check-out time: before noon.
   
   
2. Holiday Inn Express Midtown, 1305 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107 (located in the downtown area, 13 blocks from the conference site). Reservation number: 215-735-9300, Fax: 215-732-2593. Email: midtown@himidtwon.com. Basic room rate: $92.00 per night plus taxes. Check-in time: after 3pm. Check-out time: 1pm. Taxis and subway can provide transportation to and from the conference site.
   
   
3. Student housing at Drexel University will be available for those who are interested and do not mind sharing amenities with others. Detailed pricing will be offered later when the rate is approved.
   

Highlights of the Conference:

• The keynote speakers will be Vernon Smith, a 2002 Nobel Laureate in Economics for his pioneering work in experimental economics, and Paul Slovic, a psychologist known for his contributions to studies of risk assessment and management.
  
• A plenary section will be offered to discuss the behavioral approach to public policy issues.
  
• An evening cruise on the Delaware River provided by the "Spirit of Philadelphia" includes a buffet dinner, three-hour live entertainment, DJ and dance floor. A cash bar will be available on board.
  

Ph.D. Student Paper Contest:
PhD students are encouraged to participate in the contest for the best student paper. There will be a cash prize. The Selection Committee consists of SABE's Charlotte Phelps and Mark Pingle, and IAREP's Gerrit Antonides and Erik Hoelzl.

Submission Invitation:
Individual papers and proposals for sessions (which should include 3 or 4 papers per session) are invited. Papers and sessions may be related to any area of behavioral economics or economic psychology.

Submission Items and Deadlines:
Abstracts of proposed papers will be evaluated for inclusion on the conference program. Abstracts of papers proposed for the conference may be submitted between Dec. 1, 2003, and March 1, 2004. To propose a session, please send an outline of the session, including the titles and abstract of papers, the chair for the session, and the organizer of the session. Authors and session organizers will be notified of acceptance by April 1. Abstracts and proposals for sessions should be submitted via email as a PDF or MS WORD file.

Proceedings:
To be sure of inclusion in the proceedings, please submit drafts of papers in PDF format by May 15.

Where to Submit:
Submit abstracts and papers, and any questions, to lesterby@drexel.edu - the e-mail address for Professor Bijou Yang Lester; Department of Economics and International Business, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104; Phone: 215-895-6973; Fax: 215-895-6975.

Additional Information Included:
1. Registration Form [ PDF ] [ Word Doc. ]
2. Tentative Conference Program [ PDF ]