Process Evaluation of an Applied Neuroeconomics Extension Course in Consulting and Management Based on Kirkpatrick's Model

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the implementation of a 5-week (15-hour) extension course in Applied Neuroeconomics, taken by 27 undergraduates (89% from economics majors and 11% members of a junior consulting firm) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and to identify their perception of the adequacy and applicability of the course content for consulting purposes. At the end of each class, students evaluated the current module by responding to a 10-item questionnaire using a 5-point scale, based on Kirkpatrick’s (1996) 4-level evaluation model: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. For data analysis, Pearson’s chi-squared test was used, and the Clopper-Pearson (Exact) method was adopted to estimate the confidence interval for the good/excellent response proportion. The results showed correlation between the extension course and the student’s perception of the adequacy and applicability of the course for all 4 levels analyzed and for all 5 modules (p < .01). Students believed that they could easily transfer the acquired knowledge to the consulting practice (p < .01). In sum, this process evaluation indicated that the Applied Neuroeconomics extension course was well-structured and provided neuroscientific content of both practical and theoretical value for students planning a career in economics and management consulting.