Experimental Studies of Cooperation

About the Project

We intend to run an experiment on cooperation following the Konovalov et al (2025) paper in Summer 2026.

The point is that we ask participants if they want to cooperate; our pilot study showed that yes they do, even if they don't have an explicit reward for doing so. We expect a lot of data and a lot of opportunities for consequential experiments. In particular, we will collect sociodemographic data, and we would like to have someone who'd analyze it for us.

This is a project for an experimental-driven person who would like to learn to work with Gorilla and Prolific, who is interested in studying other-regarding preferences, and who wants to be able to work on their own papers.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, or appropriate Master’s degree in a relevant discipline. The ideal candidate would have an interest in experimental methods and possibly be aiming for an academic career.

The University values diversity and equality at all levels and we encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. In line with our commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups, applications from Black British, Asian British, minority ethnicity British and mixed race British candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed.

Study is available as either a 3 or a 4 year programme, depending on the needs of the applicant.

Please visit here for further information about the Economics PhD Programme at Cardiff Business School. Please note that our programme is currently under review.

For information on fees - please see our website

How to apply.

Applications should be made online, please visit the Business School website and click "apply now"Economics - Study - Cardiff University.

Applications are not accepted via email or the 'register your interest' form, please visit our website in the first instance.

When applying, please specify the project title and supervisor of this project and whether you are self-funded or are applying for funding (within or external to the University).

The application mustcontain the following documents:

1. Covering letter: The covering letter must name the project being applied for and should be addressed to the supervisor. It must set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at Cardiff University; your understanding, and expectations of doctoral study; and your academic interests generally, and particularly how these relate to the description of the project supplied. The covering letter should be no more than two pages.
2. Academic / Professional Qualifications: Where appropriate, this should also include proof of English Language Competency (6.5 IELTS minimum - or equivalent).
3. References: All applications require two academic references to be submitted in support. Candidates must approach referees themselves and include the references with their application.
4. Curriculum Vitae: This should be no longer than two pages.
5. Research Proposal: The proposal should build directly on the project description that has been supplied. The proposal should be up to a maximum of 1000 words, not including bibliographic references. We suggest that you use the following five headings in your research proposal:

• Your reflections on the title, aims and purpose of the research;
• An overview of some key research literature relevant to the study;
• Your proposals for developing the design and methods of the study;
• A description of potential outcomes of the project for understanding, knowledge, policy and practice (as appropriate to the topic);
• Bibliographic references

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit all documentation at the time of application.

This program is available in English only. To request information in Welsh, please contact the Postgraduate Recruitment Team

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from candidates who have secured their own funding or are in a position to self fund.

The start date is 1st October 2026.

Applications are open until 31st May 2026, however if sufficient applications are received we reserve the right to close applications early.

For more information about scholarships, entry requirements and application process please visit our website

References

Konovalov et al (2025) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5195734