Several economics department faculty members presented their latest research at the recent Eastern Economics Association annual conference. The conference included more than 1,000 economists from all over the world and was held in New York Feb. 27- March 1.
Greg Lilly presented his research based on classroom experiments he has conducted for several years with Elon students. Jim Barbour presented research based on a recent pedagogical experiment he did in his introductory classes last fall. Steve DeLoach and senior economics major Erika Lammana presented their paper on the effects of access to credit on child health outcomes in Indonesia during the Asian financial crisis; this project was funded by the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience 2008.
Jim Barbour, “Student choice in topics: does allowing students to choose applications enhance learning?”
Abstract: Does allowing students to choose the subject matter of the examples used in a principles of economics course have an effect on the learning outcome? To test this straightforward question, two classes, taught by the same instructor in consecutive class periods were allowed to differ in only one respect. One class was allowed to suggest topics about which they would like to learn more and their class activities for the entire term were openly and clearly developed around these topics. The other class was taught in exactly the same manner, using the same examples and cases. However, in the second class the topics were, as far as the class could ascertain, chosen by the professor. Using pre- and post-tests, as well as the test scores on the (identical) regular term examinations, the learning of the two classes was compared. Both classes showed improvement in economic literacy as a result of the course, but the two classes were virtually identical in their improvement. It appears that this particular treatment has no effect on learning, either positive or negative.
Greg Lilly, “Making the Weak Seller Strong: A Lesson in Bounded Rationality”
Abstract: An old puzzle in experimental economics: sellers in experimental markets generally bargain less effectively than buyers, is theoretically resolved using some fundamental ideas from theories of bounded rationality. This theoretical resolution is then confirmed through a series of experiments.
Steve DeLoach & Erika Lamanna, “Measuring the impact of microfinance on child health outcomes in Indonesia”
Abstract: Access to microcredit has become a staple of modern development policy as a means to facilitate anything from gender equality to growth. In economic terms, it provides an important tool for smoothing household consumption in the wake of unexpected economic shocks. Using data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (1993-2000), this paper investigates whether access to microcredit affects child health outcomes. Specifically, we test whether a change in the availability of microcredit at the community level affects the average weight gain of young children.