Supporting Better Research in Economic Education
Paper Session
Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM (PST)
- Chair: Wendy Stock, Montana State University
Building the RBG Bridge: Expanding the Capacity for Research into Diversity and Inclusion in Economics Classrooms
Abstract
Encouraged by the ongoing conversation about increasing the gender and racial diversity of our field and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Build & Broaden program, a team of economists from St. Catherine University and Metropolitan State University undertook a multi-year survey project to investigate relevance, belonging and growth mindset (RBG) in economics classrooms. This presentation will discuss the project, which is motivated by the idea that change at scale will require learning from identity-focused institutions – including women’s colleges and minority serving institutions (MSIs). In addition to data collection and analysis, the grant encouraged capacity building at MSIs. To that end, the team hosted a mini-conference of participating schools to spur shared learning. This event brought together faculty from a variety of schools for a deep dive into the data with the expectation that networking and collaboration will yield insights to improve inclusion in economics.Using RCTs in Economic Education Research
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have become an essential tool for economists. The credibility revolution in empirical economics emphasizes research designs that identify casual effects, and random assignment of treatment is seen as the gold standard. Implementation can, however, be a challenge in many applications. The field of economic education is in a unique position to learn from RCTs, given the ability to test interventions in the classroom or at educational institutions. We discuss what is needed to effectively run an RCT in an educational setting, drawing from the experimental literature on topics such as student success in higher education and diversity in undergraduate economics. We additionally outline quasi-experimental approaches that can be used when treatment cannot be randomized.Beyond anecdotes: Incorporating qualitative methods with rigor in economic education research
Abstract
There is a growing call among economic education researchers for including qualitative research methodologies in economic education. However, there are few examples of what rigorous qualitative methodologies look like in the field. Exemplars and models are especially important as most researchers in the field did not have access to courses in qualitative methodologies as part of their graduate training. This paper begins to address this gap by explaining how qualitative methodologies have been incorporated in economic education research to achieve three different aims. First, by using an ethnographic approach to inform the design of economic experiments. Second, by using open ended survey questions to understand mental accounting behaviors. And third, by using interviews to better understand participants’ choices in a dictator game. This paper demonstrates how, through the use of intentionally designed and rigorously applied qualitative methodologies, researchers can gain insights not available through quantitative methodologies alone.Elevating Economic Scholarship: Best Practices for Academic Economists in Research Vetting and Presentation
Abstract
This paper explores the critical role academic economists play in advancing economic scholarship through their participation in the vetting of research. It then offers guidance on three key aspects: providing discussant comments for conference papers, refereeing papers submitted for publication, and presenting one's own research at economic conferences. Overall, we emphasize providing constructive and insightful review comments, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness, clarity, and collegiality. Effective discussant feedback not only enhances work in progress but also fosters a culture of collaboration and intellectual growth within the academic community. Responsibilities and best practices of refereeing papers for publication underscore the significance of impartiality, rigor, and timeliness in the peer review process, which is vital for maintaining the integrity and quality of economic research. The paper then shifts its perspective to that of the author, offering practical advice on delivering compelling and impactful presentations of one's own research at economic conferences. From structuring presentations to engaging with the audience, it highlights strategies for effectively communicating complex ideas and findings, thereby maximizing the dissemination and impact of scholarly work. Advances in economic education scholarship depend on quality engagement in the research process, one which relies heavily on the sharing and vetting of ideas.JEL Classifications
- A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics
- A1 - General Economics