BMBF projects

"VStud (BMBF) - Measures motivated by behavioral economics to ensure study success".

The project deals with measures motivated by behavioral economics to ensure student success. These interventions specifically change framework conditions of studying, taking into account how psychological factors influence students' decisions from an economic point of view. In contrast to "classical" interventions in higher education (such as tutorials, small group instruction, etc.), such measures are typically much less costly. Specifically, HEIs can intervene in these areas by offering 1) voluntary commitment devices, 2) sending feedback letters on student performance, and 3) designing exam registration modalities (opt-in vs. opt-out). The aim of the project is to obtain robust and generalizable evidence on the effectiveness and cost-benefit of this new class of interventions.

Further information

"SvStud (BMBF) - Scalable Behavioral Economics Motivated Measures to Ensure Student Success".

Robert Jäckle, TH Nürnberg in collaboration with Oliver Himmler, University of Erfurt. Project collaborators: Lars Behlen, TH Nuremberg and University of Erfurt; Zouhier Kassaballi, University of Erfurt; Raphael Brade, University of Erfurt.

Funded by the BMBF, FKZ: 01PX21003A, 01PX21003B Duration: 01.02.2021 - 31.01.2024

Study dropouts and lack of study success are not always based on fully informed and rational decisions, but also result from deviations from the rational decision model - for example, due to lack of self-control or limited attention. Such "behavioral biases" and their effects on individual behavior are at the center of behavioral economics education research. The SvStud project addresses this issue by developing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral economic interventions aimed at improving student success. Central questions are: (i) How can the negative effects of procrastination among students be reduced, and (ii) how can (social) information deficits or lack of salience of information among students be counteracted? One focus of the project is scalability, i.e., the measures can be implemented at low cost and are conceptually transferable to other subject areas and types of universities.

https://projekte.uni-erfurt.de/svstud/