Economics Research and Communication Methods

Catalog description

What is entailed in conducting economics research? This one credit hour course offers an introduction to research and communication in economics. We begin with the research process: how one explores research topics and determines a viable research question. Next we investigate data: structures, variable types, measurement, sources, and issues to be aware of when working with data, generally. Third, we discuss an overview of the basic ways one might present and analyze data. Fourth, we examine how to find and read research papers, along with effective prompt engineering to guide generative AI, along with how to prepare a literature review. Finally, we discuss tools for effectively communicating economics both orally and in writing. This course offers a background to working with data for students who will take empirical-based courses, especially in economics. This course also will be of interest to students considering internships and jobs in data analytics and economics research.