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Dare to Experiment: The Synergistic Relationship Between Undergraduate Research and Experimental Economics

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  • Nelson-Poteet, Carl
  • Xie, Lusi
  • Messer, Kent D.
  • Palm-Forster, Leah H.

Abstract

Little attention has been given to the synergistic relationship that can exist between experimental economics research and undergraduate research experiences. In this article, we highlight the successes and challenges from working with more than 70 undergraduate research assistants at the University of Delaware’s Center for Experimental and Applied Economics (CEAE) since 2007. We describe our approaches for funding and engaging undergraduate students and efforts, including our layered mentorship network, to support CEAE’s mission to cultivate a diverse and inclusive research community. We present the results of a survey of CEAE’s alumni to understand how their research experiences influenced their undergraduate education and their post-graduate educational and career endeavors. Synthesizing the reflections of students and the experiences of lead researchers, we outline ten key recommendations regarding how faculty and administrators in agricultural and applied economics programs can design and implement successful undergraduate research experiences, strengthening the pipeline of researchers in our field.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson-Poteet, Carl & Xie, Lusi & Messer, Kent D. & Palm-Forster, Leah H., 2025. "Dare to Experiment: The Synergistic Relationship Between Undergraduate Research and Experimental Economics," Applied Economics Teaching Resources (AETR), Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 7(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaeatr:356150
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeffrey Wagner, 2015. "A framework for undergraduate research in economics," Southern Economic Journal, Southern Economic Association, vol. 82(2), pages 668-672, October.
    2. Jeffrey Wagner, 2015. "A framework for undergraduate research in economics," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 82(2), pages 668-672, October.
    3. Amy Henderson, 2016. "Growing by getting their hands dirty: Meaningful research transforms students," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(3), pages 241-257, July.
    4. Lydia Zepeda & Mary Marchant, 1998. "Bigger, Smaller, Richer, Poorer: Trends in Agricultural Economics," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 20(2), pages 406-421.
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