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Research Methodology For Applied Economics PDF
Research Methodology For Applied Economics PDF
Research Methodology For Applied Economics PDF
Applied Economics
Lecture 1
1
Introduction to the Course
• Syllabus (handout)
• Textbook
Ethridge, 2004, 2nd edition
Research Methodology in
Applied Economics
• Grading
1 – 2 Suggested exercises (end of chapter)
2 exams (Nov 6 & 13)
• Office hours
1 hour/day, 11:00am – 12:00noon, place TBA
2
Justification for the Study of Research
Methodology
Need for formal, focused attention within the
economics discipline on how to organize and
conduct research in applied economics
4
Reason for Studying Research
Methodology
5
We need to differentiate research methodology
from research methods:
FLAW
“WE TEACH STUDENTS TO KNOW ECONOMICS, BUT
WE RARELY TEACH THEM TO DO ECONOMICS” (p 6)
8
Paradigm Shift for Success in Graduate
School is Needed
• Not determined solely by the understanding
of theories or techniques
• What is needed is the understanding of
economic issues, literature, research process
and ability to conduct research and
communicate results to the stakeholders.
9
Common flaws in Methodology
Failure to:
• Establish the reason for the research
• Provide clear & concise objectives
• Provide complete reference to prior research on
the subject and methods
• Lack of understanding for the conceptual and
theoretical basis of the research
• Selection of analytical structural model for mere
empirical convenience (or familiarity)
• Presenting conclusions that are merely
restatements of analytical findings (ie. results)
10
Objectives and Focus of the Course
Increase proficiency and effectiveness in
economic research efforts
12
Examples of ‘bad’ Methodology
13
What this course is not about
• Philosophy of science
• Economic methodology (the approach to
economic reasoning)
• Research methods (techniques)
14
Ethridge addresses 2 divergent but related
aspects of economic research methodology:
Processes of discovery and confirmation
– Discovery deals with formulating, finding, and
creating new knowledge, information
– Confirmation deals with validity or reliability of
information
– Discovery is a creative process (art) requiring
questioning, probing, pursuing alternative
avenues of exploration, etc..
– Confirmation is more highly developed and this is
the ‘science’ part of the discipline
15
Assumptions about the students
• You will conduct or be required to do research
• You have basic knowledge of economic theories
• You know basic statistics and social sciences analytical
techniques
• You are able to think abstractly
• You think critically (but not in extreme form – cynicism,
which is a barrier to understanding)
• You have the ability to synthesize from the facts and
information in front of you
• Ability to discern privately held beliefs from concepts
supported by evidence – ie. need for objectivity
• You are currently initiating a research project
16
Perspective and Views of the Author
(Don Ethridge)
(I like the way he lays out his beliefs and biases – this is rarely done)
17
Organization of the Course
• Definitional , conceptual and philosophical
aspects of Research Methodology (Chap 2 – 4)
– Define terms and concepts, examine the
methodology of process, how research
methodology is related to science, knowledge and
objectivity, prediction, etc..
• Procedural aspects (Chap 5 – 9)
– planning and organizing research
• Reporting of Research (Chap 10)
18