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Westerberg laboratory
We are part of LaER.
Experimental economic research in environmental economics
With the help of our laboratories we are able to conduct high-class experimental economic research in the field of environmental economics. In addition to students, various other professional or stakeholder groups (for example, farmers, water users) have already participated in our experiments in the laboratory and in the field. Our research currently focuses on contexts in Europe, South America and Africa. In addition to our portfolio of classic games (e.g. Public Goods Game, Common Pool Resources Game, Dictator Game, Ultimatum Game), we also develop special games adapted to our research contexts (e.g. real-time CPR, farm management simulations).
The laboratory at Westerberg
The laboratory at Westerberg ("Laboratory II" of the LaER.) is located in room E16 in building 93 of the Osnabrück University (Barbarastr. 22c, Osnabrück). The lab can be staffed with up to 28 participants. It allows the implementation of classical laboratory experiments and guarantees the privacy of the participants through structural measures. Payments can be made in cash or by bank transfer. The laboratory can also be used for teaching purposes.
Mobile laboratory
Our mobile laboratory (29 tablet computers + access point) significantly expands the possibilities of LaER.. It allows conducting lab-in-the-field and field experiments, surveys (even in remote areas), lab experiments in other localities (other universities, fairs, conferences), as well as expanding the capacity of our computer labs. The mobile laboratory is transported in a custom-made case and can in principle be operated in any place in the world.
Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory
Our virtual reality lab (18 Oculus Quest headsets + router + Rapsberry Pie) allows us to conduct experiments that incorporate virtual reality or other 3D components, providing deeper immersion into the decision context. It can be optionally combined with the computer lab or the mobile lab.
Further equipment
Our lab is equipped with a full set of headphones so that audio and video content can be easily incorporated into experiments.
To support experiments or surveys in the field, we can provide extensive transport equipment for almost all components of the lab. In addition, a mobile printer, four noise-canceling special headphones and a globally deployable LTE router round out the portfolio.
We use versatile software to run our experiments, including ORSEE and hroot to manage the participant pool, Lime Survey and KOBO Toolbox to administer surveys and simple experiments, SoPHIE to administer more complex experiments with and without interactions, and SoPHIELabs Classroom and ClassEx to use experiments in teaching.
Laborteam
Dr. Fabian Thomas, Scientific, administrative und technical lead
Dominik Kohl, Session Administration, Recruitment
Dominic Lautersack, Session Administration, Mobile Lab + VR Lab
Former Staff
Imke Lüdecke, Hans Peter Naeve, Lea Kolb, Mathias Janke
