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Creating Quality Undergraduate Research Programs in Economics: How, When, Where (And Why)

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  • Stephen B. Deloach
  • Elizabeth Perry-Sizemore
  • Mary O. Borg

Abstract

While undergraduate research (UR) has been growing across the academy for decades, economics has been relatively slow to adopt it as pedagogy. We argue for the development of comprehensive UR programs that not only require capstone research experiences, but integrate foundational research skills throughout the curriculum. Fundamentally, there is a hierarchy whereby students learn basic research skills in lower-level courses, develop ability integrating content knowledge and research skills in upper-levels, and produce independent or collaborative research projects in later semesters. To facilitate such improvements, we make six recommendations for departments to consider when building or strengthening their UR environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen B. Deloach & Elizabeth Perry-Sizemore & Mary O. Borg, 2012. "Creating Quality Undergraduate Research Programs in Economics: How, When, Where (And Why)," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 57(1), pages 96-110, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:amerec:v:57:y:2012:i:1:p:96-110
    DOI: 10.1177/056943451205700108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. W. Lee Hansen, 2001. "Expected Proficiencies for Undergraduate Economics Majors," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(3), pages 231-242, January.
    2. Gregory A. Lilly & Thomas Tiemann, 2008. "On the Struggle To Attain Universal Competence in a Complex Skill: The Case of a Senior Capstone Experience," Working Papers 2008-06, Elon University, Department of Economics.
    3. John J. Siegfried & Michael K. Salemi, 1999. "The State of Economic Education," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 89(2), pages 355-361, May.
    4. Robert H. Frank, 2002. "The Economic Naturalist: Teaching Introductory Students How to Speak Economics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(2), pages 459-462, May.
    5. Steven A. Greenlaw & Stephen B. Deloach, 2003. "Teaching Critical Thinking with Electronic Discussion," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(1), pages 36-52, January.
    6. John J. Siegfried, 2001. "Principles for a Successful Undergraduate Economics Honors Program," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(2), pages 169-177, January.
    7. Andrea L. Ziegert & KimMarie McGoldrick, 2008. "When Service is Good for Economics: Linking the Classroom and Community through Service-Learning," International Review of Economic Education, Economics Network, University of Bristol, vol. 7(2), pages 39-56.
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    Cited by:

    1. Morreale, Joseph C. & Shostya, Anna, 2020. "Creating a transformative learning experience through a capstone course in economics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    2. Carlos J. Asarta & Austin S. Jennings & Paul W. Grimes, 2017. "Economic Education Retrospective," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 62(1), pages 102-117, March.
    3. Depro, Brooks & Rouse, Kathryn, 2022. "Adapting the case method in an economics capstone research course," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    4. Li, Ishuan & Simonson, Robert D., 2016. "The value of a redesigned program and capstone course in economics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 48-58.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    undergraduate research; senior thesis; honors thesis; service learning; capstone experience;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A2 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics

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