An Economist’s Account of Interdisciplinary Research

Abstract

How can economists collaborate with and contribute to other scientists? Because economists focus on choices, I discuss how people seek out information, are influenced by background context, and rely on intuition. Furthermore, economists working with scientists may ask and answer questions in ways they might not dare to explore on their own. I illustrate this with my research on impartiality in monkeys and time perception in fruit flies. I argue that economists can provide valuable context for scientists. Together, they can broaden and deepen their curiosity.