The Architecture of Choice: Behavioral Economics, Cognitive Bias, and Nudge Theory

Duration

Dec 19, 2026 – Dec 30, 2026

Delivery Format

Online (Remote)

Cohort Capacity

5 Students

Program tuition

$5,000 USD

Led by Emory Economics Professor David McMillon (former Harvard Fellow and University of Chicago Ph.D.), this program challenges orthodox economic assumptions through behavioral economics, cognitive bias, and nudge theory. Students analyze empirical datasets on consumer, healthcare, and educational choices—culminating in a rigorous, publication-ready research manuscript demonstrating superior quantitative and analytical command.

Program Overview

Rigorous Scholarship

Work to the standards of academic research: frame a precise question, weigh the evidence critically, and build an argument that holds up to expert scrutiny.

Publication Output

Students author their own research manuscript. Journal submission and acceptance are separate steps, not guaranteed outcomes.

Expert Mentorship

Direct feedback and ongoing guidance from scholars active at top global institutions.

The CRI approach

Your interests.
Your question. Your paper.

Start with what you want to investigate. Develop your own research question and write your own paper, with professor and TA guidance on methods, evidence and revision. The course theme is a starting point—not a predetermined paper to reproduce.

Applications & fees

Program at a glance

Who it is for: Recommended for students in Grades 9–12. University students may also participate.
Learning format: Online (Remote)
Professor instruction: 10 hours
TA guidance: 30 hours

See the dates and teaching schedule for this cohort.

Students work toward their own research manuscript. Journal submission and acceptance are separate steps; publication and university admission are not guaranteed.

Course Description: This course style introduces core economics through incentives, trade-offs, and data. Students learn how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions under constraints, and how those choices shape markets and policy outcomes. Emphasis is placed on economic reasoning that can be defended with evidence. Students practice using simple models, interpreting real datasets, and evaluating what policies can realistically change. Projects often analyze a real issue—inequality, education, labor markets, or consumer behavior—ending in a clear write-up that links theory to data and acknowledges limitations. Assessment Methods: Recommendation Letter Opportunities, Research Papers

The Architecture of Choice: Behavioral Economics, Cognitive Bias, and Nudge Theory

Program Overview

Rigorous Scholarship

Publication Output

Expert Mentorship

Your interests.
Your question. Your paper.

Program Details

David McMillon

Course Curriculum

Quantitative Analysis of Behavioral Economics

The Architecture of Choice: Behavioral Economics, Cognitive Bias, and Nudge Theory

Program Overview

Rigorous Scholarship

Publication Output

Expert Mentorship

Your interests.Your question. Your paper.

Program Details

David McMillon

Course Curriculum

Quantitative Analysis of Behavioral Economics

Your interests.
Your question. Your paper.