Reports on a study of the economic literacy of 942 adults and compares the results with the economic literacy of high school students. Finds that high school students outscored the adults. Also finds that adult scores were related positively to both the level of education achieved and the completion of an economics course. (CFR)

Contends that the traditional approach to the economics of pollution deals only with the special case of damage coming from the per-period flow of the pollutant. Examines the limitations of the traditional flow approach. Summarizes fundamental advances in the economic theory of stock pollutants using graphical descriptions. (CFR)

A research study designed to measure understanding of economic terms among 13- and 14-year olds is summarized. For purposes of the study, two tests were constructed: a 10-item questionnaire focusing on definitions of words such as banking, production, costs, money, and wealth, and a compilation of drawings and photographs developed to reflect…

The results of the first year of a three-year longitudinal study of the adoption of a new Practical Action Curriculum by Ohio Vocational Home Economics teachers are reported. The purpose of the study was to investigate (1) the teachers' Stages of Concern about adopting the curriculum; (2) the factors that affected the teachers' degree of adoption…

The development, testing, and modification of an instrument to measure attitude change toward economic issues among economics students is described in this paper. It was initially hypothesized that a continuum of attitudes to economic issues existed, ranging from extreme interventionist ideas at one end to extreme laisez-faire at the other end,…

Examines how an economic concept changed when 68 third-grade Italian children underwent different kinds of experiences simulated by means of tutorial and critical training. (HOD)

The general educational research literature indicates that computer-assisted instruction (CAI) can be an effective instructional strategy. However, there is a need for methods and tools for measuring the cost effectiveness of CAI. A taxonomy for addressing questions of cost in CAI is presented. (Author/RM)

Maintains that the equal marginal value principle may not be optimal in the analysis of the cost-effectiveness of policies to reduce auto emissions, the economics of garbage disposal, and the economics of pollution abatement. Argues that examining these exceptions can help students understand the equal marginal value principle. (MJP)

Contends that great strides were made in improving economics education after 1961, with the release of the National Task Force on Economic Education report. Asserts that infusing economic concepts into other social studies courses is much less effective than providing a separate economics course. (CFR)

Contends that the biggest gains in student understanding of economic principles are made in formal economics courses. Reports on an analysis of data from three national tests of economic knowledge. Finds that a formal course or an extensive economics unit leads to larger gains in student achievement. (CFR)

Contends that it is widely believed that cheap labor in poor countries attracts foreign investors. Asserts that historical evidence indicates that past patterns of direct foreign investment in poor countries are inconsistent with the cheap-labor argument. Includes two figures and one table. (CFR)

Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the number of four-year Bachelor's degrees awarded in economics in 1993-94. Finds that the number of undergraduate degrees in economics continues to decline. Presents three tables of statistical data and discusses possible reasons for this decline. (CFR)

Maintains that cheating in college-level economics courses is a serious problem. Presents findings based on the randomized response approach from 443 students at 2 major universities. Finds that at least 42% of college students have cheated on at least one examination. (CFR)

Discusses a study of the content of elementary social studies textbooks. Reports that geographic and economic concepts predominated in textbooks written for first through fourth graders although publishers differed over which concepts were most important. Concludes that the books offer little opportunity to review and expand upon concepts over…