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Applied Economics Definition
Applied Economics Definition
Applied Economics
By JIM CHAPPELOW | Updated Jul 14, 2019
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Applied economics is the use of the insights gained from economic theory and research
to make better decisions and solve real-world problems.
Applied economics is a popular tool in business planning and for public policy analysis
and evaluation.
Individuals can also benefit from applying economic thinking and insights to personal
and financial decisions
and financial decisions. Ad
The use of applied economics may first involve exploring economic theories to develop
questions about a circumstance or situation and then draw upon data resources and other
frames of reference to form a plausible answer to that question. The idea is to establish a
hypothetical outcome based on the specific ongoing circumstances, drawn from the known
implications of general economic laws and models.
Applied economics can also help businesses make better decisions. Understanding the
implications of economic laws of supply and demand combined with past sales data and
marketing research regarding their target market can help a business with pricing and
production decisions. Awareness of economic leading indicators and their relationship to a
firm's industry and markets can help with operational planning and business
strategy. Understanding economic ideas such as principal-agent problems, transaction costs,
and the theory of the firm can help businesses design better compensation schemes, contracts,
and corporate strategies.
Applied economics is an invaluable tool for public policy makers. Many economists are
employed to predict both the macro- and microeconomic consequences of various policy
proposals or to evaluate the effects of ongoing policy. Applied macroeconomic modeling is
routinely used to project changes in unemployment, economic growth, and inflation at the
national, regional, and state level. Understanding the way the economic incentives and
compensating behaviors created by public policy impact real-world trends in things like job
growth, migration, and crime rates is critical to implementing effective policy and avoiding
unintended consequences. For example, understanding what the application of the laws of
supply and demand imply about the effects of price floors, along with case studies and
empirical research, can inform better policy regarding minimum wage laws.
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Related Terms
Paradox of Rationality Definition
The paradox of rationality is the empirical observation that players who make irrational choices often
receive better payoffs than those making rational choices. more
Mathematical Economics
Mathematical economics is a form of economics that relies on quantitative methods to describe
economic phenomena. more
Neuroeconomics
Neuroeconomics tries to link economics, psychology, and neuroscience to better understand economic
decision making. more
Shapley Value
In game theory, the Shapley value is a manner of fairly distributing both gains and costs to several actors
working in coalition. more
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