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Economics Research Paper Topics

Economics Research Guide

Economics is a field of study that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. As such, it has a profound impact on our lives and society as a whole. Given its importance, economics research is a critical component of the field, as it helps to advance our understanding of economic principles, and inform policy decisions. In this guide, we will explore a range of economics research paper topics, organized into several categories, each with its own unique focus and scope.

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This guide is intended for students and researchers who are interested in understanding the complexities of economic systems, and how they relate to broader social and political issues. Through a careful examination of these topics, readers will gain insights into the ways in which economics influences our daily lives, and the world around us.

The following sections will provide an overview of the categories of economics research paper topics that will be explored in this guide. Each category will be accompanied by a list of potential research paper topics that can serve as a starting point for students and researchers looking to explore these areas in greater depth. By the end of this article, readers will have a deeper appreciation of the breadth and depth of the field of economics, and the important role it plays in shaping our world.

Economics is a vast field of study that covers a wide range of topics and sub-disciplines. To help students navigate this broad subject area, economics research paper topics can be organized into several categories. This approach not only assists in topic selection but also enables students to explore various aspects of economics in a more systematic manner. In this section, we will discuss 20 categories of economics research paper topics that can serve as a starting point for students looking to write a research paper in economics.

• Economic Theory

Economic theory is the foundation of modern economics, providing a framework for understanding economic behavior and decision-making. Research in economic theory can focus on topics such as game theory, decision-making under uncertainty, and the design of economic mechanisms. Potential research paper topics within economic theory include:

• The role of information in economic decision-making
• The effects of taxation on economic behavior
• The design of auctions in different economic contexts
• The efficiency of different market structures
• The impact of externalities on market outcomes
• The role of social norms in economic behavior
• The implications of bounded rationality for economic theory
• The relationship between inequality and economic growth
• The impact of financial frictions on economic outcomes
• The use of experimental methods in economic theory research
• Microeconomics

Microeconomics is the study of how individuals and firms make decisions in the context of limited resources. Research in microeconomics can explore topics such as consumer behavior, market structure, and the impact of public policy on individual and firm behavior. Potential research paper topics within microeconomics include:

• The economics of discrimination and inequality
• The impact of regulation on market outcomes
• The role of innovation in market competition
• The economics of information and the internet
• The relationship between education and earnings
• The impact of trade on local labor markets
• The economics of healthcare and insurance markets
• The impact of minimum wage laws on employment
• The economics of environmental regulation
• The role of non-profits and social enterprises in market competition
• Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics is concerned with the behavior of the economy as a whole, including topics such as economic growth, inflation, and monetary policy. Research in macroeconomics can explore topics such as the causes and consequences of economic fluctuations, the role of government policy in stabilizing the economy, and the impact of globalization on macroeconomic outcomes. Potential research paper topics within macroeconomics include:

• The impact of fiscal policy on economic growth
• The role of central banks in maintaining price stability
• The relationship between inflation and unemployment
• The impact of monetary policy on exchange rates
• The causes and consequences of financial crises
• The economics of international trade and exchange rate regimes
• The impact of technology on economic growth
• The role of government in promoting long-term economic growth
• The impact of demographic changes on macroeconomic outcomes
• The use of macroeconomic models to forecast economic outcomes
• Econometrics

Econometrics is the application of statistical and mathematical methods to economic data. Research in econometrics can explore topics such as causal inference, time-series analysis, and the modeling of complex economic systems. Potential research paper topics within econometrics include:

• The use of machine learning algorithms in econometric analysis
• The impact of measurement error on econometric results
• The role of panel data in econometric analysis
• The use of quasi-experimental methods in causal inference
• The impact of model selection on econometric results
• The estimation of dynamic models in econometrics
• The role of Bayesian methods in econometric analysis
• The use of structural models in econometric analysis
• The impact of omitted variable bias on econometric results
• The use of econometric methods to study income inequality
• International Economics

International economics refers to the study of economic interactions among countries. It analyzes trade, investment, finance, and migration across borders. International economics is concerned with the causes and consequences of international trade, the determinants of trade flows, the impact of globalization on economic growth and inequality, and the effects of trade policy on national welfare. International economics research papers can address topics such as:

• The impact of trade liberalization on economic growth and income distribution.
• The role of institutions in promoting international trade.
• The determinants of foreign direct investment flows.
• The impact of globalization on labor markets in developed and developing countries.
• The effects of trade policies, such as tariffs and quotas, on international trade and welfare.
• The role of exchange rates in international trade and finance.
• The impact of international trade on the environment.
• The economic implications of regional trade agreements, such as the European Union.
• The impact of trade on human rights.
• The effectiveness of development aid in promoting economic growth in developing countries.
• Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics is the study of how psychological and cognitive factors influence economic decision-making. Behavioral economics seeks to explain why people make economic decisions that appear to be irrational or suboptimal, and how these decisions can be influenced by various factors, such as social norms, emotions, and cognitive biases. Research papers in behavioral economics can focus on topics such as:

• The impact of social norms on economic decision-making.
• The role of emotions in financial decision-making.
• The effect of framing and context on consumer behavior.
• The impact of cognitive biases, such as overconfidence and loss aversion, on decision-making.
• The implications of bounded rationality for economic models and policies.
• The impact of incentives on economic behavior.
• The role of trust in economic decision-making.
• The effect of social networks on economic behavior.
• The impact of reputation and social status on economic decisions.
• The role of identity and self-image in economic behavior.
• Game Theory

Game theory is a branch of economics that studies strategic decision-making in situations where the outcome of a decision depends on the actions of other decision-makers. Game theory is used to analyze a wide range of economic interactions, such as auctions, oligopolies, and bargaining situations. Research papers in game theory can address topics such as:

• The impact of information on strategic decision-making.
• The effect of repeated interactions on cooperation and competition.
• The role of commitment and credibility in strategic interactions.
• The impact of uncertainty and risk on decision-making.
• The implications of incomplete information for strategic behavior.
• The effect of network structure on strategic interactions.
• The role of reputation and trust in strategic interactions.
• The impact of strategic interaction on social welfare.
• The effect of communication on strategic decision-making.
• The implications of bounded rationality for game-theoretic models.

Development Economics

Development economics is a branch of economics that focuses on economic development, specifically the process of economic growth, poverty reduction, and improving the standards of living in developing countries. Development economics examines the social, economic, and political factors that contribute to or impede economic growth and development. Possible research paper topics in this category include:

• The impact of foreign aid on economic development in developing countries.
• The role of microfinance in poverty alleviation.
• The effects of globalization on economic development in developing countries.
• The impact of corruption on economic development in developing countries.
• The role of human capital in economic growth and development.
• The effects of trade liberalization on economic growth and development.
• The relationship between income inequality and economic growth in developing countries.
• The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in economic development in developing countries.
• The effects of political instability on economic growth and development in developing countries.
• The impact of natural resource endowments on economic growth and development in developing countries.

Financial Economics

Financial economics is a subfield of economics that focuses on the financial markets and financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives. This field also includes the study of financial institutions and their roles in the economy. Some potential research paper topics in this category include:

• The impact of monetary policy on financial markets.
• The role of financial intermediaries in the economy.
• The impact of financial regulation on financial markets.
• The effects of financial innovation on financial markets and the economy.
• The impact of international financial markets on the domestic economy.
• The relationship between financial markets and the real economy.
• The effects of financial crises on financial markets and the economy.
• The role of credit markets in the economy.
• The impact of interest rates on financial markets and the economy.
• The effects of quantitative easing on financial markets and the economy.

Industrial Organization

Industrial organization is a subfield of economics that focuses on the study of firms, markets, and industries. This field examines the behavior of firms and the market structure in which they operate. Potential research paper topics in this category include:

• The impact of mergers and acquisitions on market competition.
• The relationship between market structure and firm behavior.
• The effects of antitrust regulation on market competition.
• The role of patents and intellectual property rights in industry.
• The effects of market power on consumer welfare.
• The impact of technological change on industry structure.
• The role of advertising and branding in creating market power.
• The effects of network externalities on industry structure.
• The impact of vertical integration on market competition.
• The effects of globalization on industry structure and market competition.

Labor Economics

Labor economics is a subfield of economics that focuses on the study of labor markets and the behavior of workers and firms in those markets. Possible research paper topics in this category include:

• The impact of minimum wage laws on employment and wages.
• The effects of labor unions on wages and employment.
• The role of discrimination in labor markets.
• The impact of immigration on wages and employment.
• The relationship between education and earnings.
• The effects of job training programs on employment and wages.
• The impact of labor market regulations on employment and wages.
• The effects of technology on employment and wages.
• The role of gender in labor market outcomes.
• The impact of globalization on labor markets and employment.

Environmental Economics

Environmental economics is a branch of economics that focuses on the study of how economic activity affects the environment and how policies and regulations can be designed to mitigate negative impacts while promoting sustainable development. Some potential research paper topics in environmental economics are:

• The effectiveness of carbon pricing in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The economic impact of the Clean Air Act on the US economy.
• The role of property rights in promoting conservation of natural resources.
• The impact of environmental regulations on the competitiveness of domestic industries.
• The trade-offs between economic development and environmental protection in developing countries.
• The role of international trade in driving global deforestation.
• The economics of water scarcity and the allocation of water resources.
• The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and food security.
• The effectiveness of eco-labeling programs in promoting sustainable consumption.
• The economics of renewable energy development and the transition away from fossil fuels.

Health Economics

Health economics is the study of how resources are allocated in the healthcare sector. It involves analyzing the economic factors that influence healthcare, such as the demand for healthcare services, the supply of healthcare providers, and the financing of healthcare systems. Potential research paper topics in health economics include:

• The impact of healthcare financing on health outcomes.
• The economics of healthcare reform.
• The relationship between healthcare spending and health outcomes.
• The role of incentives in healthcare delivery.
• The economics of healthcare technology.
• The effect of insurance coverage on healthcare utilization.
• The economic burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.
• The impact of globalization on healthcare systems.
• The economics of mental health.
• The economics of public health interventions.

Agricultural Economics

Agricultural economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods and services. It analyzes how the agricultural sector operates and interacts with other sectors of the economy, as well as the economic principles that govern it. Some potential research paper topics in this area include:

• The impact of climate change on agriculture.
• The economics of land use and farming practices.
• Agricultural subsidies and their effects on farmers and consumers.
• The role of agriculture in rural development.
• Agricultural trade policies and their impact on domestic and international markets.
• The economics of genetically modified crops.
• The use of technology in agriculture and its economic implications.
• The economics of food safety and food security.
• The role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting economic development.
• The impact of globalization on the agricultural sector.

Urban and Regional Economics

Urban and regional economics is concerned with the economic issues that arise in urban and regional contexts. It examines how economic activities are distributed across geographic areas and how policies can be designed to promote regional growth and development. Some potential research paper topics in this area include:

• The economic impact of gentrification on urban neighborhoods.
• The role of transportation infrastructure in urban and regional development.
• The economics of urban sprawl and its impact on the environment.
• The economics of regional trade agreements.
• The economic impact of sports stadiums on local communities.
• The role of land use regulations in shaping urban and regional development.
• The economics of urban crime and its impact on local economies.
• The economics of cultural districts and their impact on local economies.
• The impact of immigration on urban and regional economies.
• The economics of regional innovation systems and their role in promoting economic growth.
• Public Economics

Public economics is the study of the role of government in the economy. It examines how government policies and programs affect economic outcomes and how they can be designed to promote efficiency and equity. Some potential research paper topics in this area include:

• The economics of taxation and tax policy.
• The impact of government spending on economic growth and development.
• The economics of social welfare programs.
• The economics of healthcare policy and healthcare reform.
• The role of government in promoting environmental sustainability.
• The economics of education policy and education reform.
• The economics of public goods and common pool resources.
• The impact of government regulations on business and economic activity.
• The economics of social insurance programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
• The economics of public-private partnerships and their role in promoting economic growth and development.

Energy Economics

Energy economics is the study of the production, consumption, and distribution of energy resources and their impact on the economy. It examines the economic principles that govern the energy sector and the policies that can be designed to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Some potential research paper topics in this area include:

• The economics of renewable energy sources and their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The impact of energy policies on energy security and national security.
• The economics of energy markets and energy pricing.
• The impact of energy consumption on the environment and public health.
• The economics of energy efficiency and energy conservation.
• The economics of energy storage and transmission.
• The role of government in promoting energy innovation and technology development.
• The impact of international energy markets on domestic energy policy.
• The economics of energy subsidies and their impact on energy markets.
• The economics of energy transition and its impact on the economy and society.

Education Economics

Education economics is a branch of economics that studies how education and the education system can impact economic outcomes. It explores the relationship between education and economic growth, productivity, and income distribution. Education economics research topics can range from the analysis of specific educational policies and programs to the broader societal impacts of education on economic development. Here are ten potential research paper topics in education economics:

• The impact of school choice policies on student achievement.
• The effectiveness of early childhood education programs in promoting long-term educational success and economic outcomes.
• The relationship between education and technological innovation.
• The impact of teacher quality on student outcomes and long-term economic success.
• The role of education in reducing income inequality.
• The economics of student loan debt and its impact on college attendance and graduation rates.
• The effect of private schools on educational attainment and economic outcomes.
• The economics of college athletics and its impact on university finances and student outcomes.
• The role of education in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
• The impact of educational technology on student outcomes and economic development.

History of Economic Thought

The history of economic thought is a fascinating field that explores the evolution of economic ideas over time. It examines the development of economic theories, the contributions of different economists, and the historical context in which they worked. Some potential research paper topics in this category include:

• Adam Smith’s contribution to economic thought.
• The Marxist critique of capitalism.
• The role of the Austrian School in economic theory.
• Keynesian economics and the Great Depression.
• Milton Friedman’s monetarist theory.
• Behavioral economics and the rise of the “nudge” approach.
• The development of econometric modeling techniques.
• The influence of economic ideas on policy making.
• The evolution of the concept of economic growth.
• The relationship between economic thought and political ideologies.

Interdisciplinary Economics

Interdisciplinary economics combines principles and methodologies from different fields, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science, to better understand economic phenomena. This category includes research on topics such as:

• The economic dimensions of climate change.
• The role of institutions in economic development.
• The political economy of healthcare.
• The effects of globalization on inequality.
• The relationship between culture and economic behavior.
• The history of economic thought from a multidisciplinary perspective.
• The impact of technology on the labor market.
• The intersection of law and economics.
• The economics of happiness and well-being.
• The role of social networks in economic behavior.

Economics research paper topics are diverse and provide a wide range of opportunities for exploring the intricacies of the economy. Whether you’re interested in macro or microeconomics, development or environmental economics, or the history of economic thought, there are plenty of topics to choose from. By carefully selecting your research paper topic and utilizing expert advice and writing services, you can produce a high-quality paper that contributes to the ongoing discourse in the field of economics.

Browse 1000 More Economics Research Paper Topics in:

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Advice on Choosing Economics Research Paper Topics

Choosing an economics research paper topic can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start. The key is to find a topic that is interesting to you and aligns with your research goals. Here are some expert tips to help you choose a great economics research paper topic:

• Read widely and stay updated : Keep up with the latest news and trends in economics by reading relevant articles, journals, and books. This will help you identify emerging topics and debates that could make for interesting research paper topics.
• Consider your audience : Before selecting a research paper topic, think about who your audience is and what they might be interested in. If you’re writing for an academic audience, you might choose a more technical or specialized topic. However, if you’re writing for a broader audience, you might choose a more accessible or relevant topic.
• Narrow your focus : Economics is a broad field, so it’s important to narrow your focus to a specific topic or question. This will help you avoid getting overwhelmed and allow you to conduct more in-depth research.
• Choose a researchable topic : Make sure the topic you choose is researchable and has enough literature available for you to build upon. You don’t want to select a topic that has little research available, as this will limit your ability to produce a strong paper.
• Consider your research goals : What do you hope to achieve with your research paper? Are you looking to provide a new perspective on a topic, or do you want to contribute to an ongoing debate? Your research goals can help guide you in choosing a relevant and impactful topic.
• Seek advice from your professor or mentor : If you’re still having trouble choosing a research paper topic, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your professor or mentor. They can provide valuable insights and point you in the direction of relevant literature.

In summary, choosing an economics research paper topic requires careful consideration and planning. By reading widely, narrowing your focus, and considering your audience and research goals, you can select a topic that is both interesting and impactful. Remember to seek advice from your professor or mentor if you need help along the way.

How to Write an Economics Research Paper

A well-written economics research paper should be clear, concise, and well-organized. Here are some general tips on how to write an economics research paper:

• Choose a good topic : Select a topic that is interesting and relevant to your area of study. Conduct preliminary research to ensure that you have enough information to support your arguments.
• Develop a thesis statement : Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes the main point of your paper.
• Gather information : Conduct research using reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and government publications. Take detailed notes and organize them according to your outline.
• Create an outline : An outline is a roadmap for your paper that helps you organize your thoughts and arguments. Your outline should include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.
• Write the paper : Use your outline to write your paper. Start with an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and includes your thesis statement. The body of your paper should include your main arguments, supported by evidence and examples. End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis statement.
• Edit and proofread : After you have completed your paper, read through it carefully to check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Make sure that your arguments are well-supported and that your paper flows logically.
• Cite your sources : Be sure to cite all sources used in your paper using the appropriate citation style. This helps to avoid plagiarism and gives credit to the original authors of the ideas you are using.

By following these steps, you can create a well-written and effective economics research paper. Remember to take your time and be thorough in your research and writing, and always seek feedback from your instructor or peers to improve your work.

iResearchNet Writing Services for Economics Research Papers

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When you work with us, you can expect the following features:

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• 15 April 2024
• Correction 22 April 2024

Revealed: the ten research papers that policy documents cite most

• Dalmeet Singh Chawla 0

Dalmeet Singh Chawla is a freelance science journalist based in London.

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When David Autor co-wrote a paper on how computerization affects job skill demands more than 20 years ago, a journal took 18 months to consider it — only to reject it after review. He went on to submit it to The Quarterly Journal of Economics , which eventually published the work 1 in November 2003.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00660-1

Updates & Corrections

Correction 22 April 2024 : The original version of this story credited Sage, rather than Overton, as the source of the policy papers’ citation data. Sage’s location has also been updated.

Autor, D. H., Levy, F. & Murnane, R. J. Q. J. Econ. 118 , 1279–1333 (2003).

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Costanza, R. et al. Nature 387 , 253–260 (1997).

Willett, W. et al. Lancet 393 , 447–492 (2019).

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Steffen, W. et al. Science 347 , 1259855 (2015).

Rockström, J. et al. Nature 461 , 472–475 (2009).

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The Increasing Cost of Buying American

The latest resurgence in the U.S. of policies aimed at reducing imports and bolstering domestic production has included the expansion of Buy American provisions. While some of these are new and untested, in this paper we evaluate long-standing procurement limitations on the purchase of foreign products by the U.S. Federal Government. We use procurement micro-data to first map and measure the positive employment effects of government purchases. We then calibrate a quantitative trade model adapted to include features relevant to the Buy American Act: a government sector, policy barriers in final and intermediate goods, labor force participation, and external economies of scale. We show that current Buy American provisions on final goods purchase have created up to 100,000 jobs at a cost of between $111,500 and $137,700 per job. However, the recently announced tightening of the policy on the use of foreign inputs will create fewer jobs at a higher cost of $154,000 to $237,800 per job. We also find scant evidence of the use of Buy American rules as an effective industrial policy.

We thank Vidya Venkatachalam and Bohan Wang for excellent research assistance. We appreciate comments by seminar and conference participants at LMU Munich, Boston University, Duke University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the University of Hong Kong, Singapore Management University, Peking University HSBC Business School, Yale University and the CESIfo Venice Summer Institute. We also thank Andrés Rodriguéz-Clare and Steve Tadelis for very helpful suggestions. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

MARC RIS BibTeΧ

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