The author describes his experience with the process of peer reviews by economists of economics departments. On the bases of roughly 20 reviews of departments in the public and private sectors over two decades, he discusses how the process works and what can be accomplished by it and identifies some pitfalls that should be avoided. He offers…

States that all good economic analysis is structured like classic detective fiction. Explains that the economist's epistemology, when presented in scientific narratives, runs parallel to the puzzle-solving process of mastermind sleuths presented in fictional narratives. Indicates the concept of equilibrium is another important and common…

This book recounts the story of the rise and fall of an all-women's department (home economics) at the University of California, Berkeley. Emphasis is on the connection between gender and status in an academic department and the life of one woman scientist, Agnes Fay Morgan, who was instrumental in the department's development. Analysis considers…

The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) represents an alternative method of instruction to both conventional lecturing and programmed learning. The purpose of this paper is to report on an experiment in which the PSI technique is employed on a microeconomics course in which a one semester introductory course was a prerequisite and was…

This research review and bibliography of abstracts has been prepared for economists and educators interested in the present status of research in economic education. It is composed of three parts: In the first section Professors Darrell Lewis and Charles Orvis review the current status and trends in economic education research and conclude with a…

In this short article, a professor describes the inductive instructional method he has successfully used in his introductory college economics course. (Author/RM)

This brief article describes an effective means of teaching economic principles at the college level through a system of personalized instruction. (Author/RM)

This short article presents some preliminary findings of a study which explores the effects on the statistical findings of using alternative forms for specifying Test of Understanding in College Economics (TUCE) scores as the dependent variable in the regression model. (Author/RM)

Examines the first and ninth editions of Paul Samuelson's famous textbook, "Economics," noting substantial changes over a period of 25 years. (Author)

A sample of 328 freshman economics students is disaggregated by the students' gender, previous knowledge of economics, attitudes toward economics, and innate abilities. Results show that students learn more economics if they take microeconomics before macroeconomics. Appended are 14 references. (MLF)

Describes how hypothetical data that is pictorially illustrated can be used to explain to secondary and college level students the basic concepts underlying two topics that are central to macro-economic analysis--the simple investment multiplier and credit creation in a multibank system. (RM)

Although this book is about how things work, it is also about flaws in the U.S. economic system. It is difficult to realize that every economic activity gravitates toward monopoly or rebellion against monopoly. This is the subject of the book, which is the result of 50 years of actual experience, informed observations, and trained readings. The…

Describes the use of internships in economics education at the University of California (Berkeley) Field Studies Program. Students enrolled in a classroom "Global Economy" course participated in diverse fieldwork experiences. Criteria for judging economics field study experiences are suggested. (AM)

Discusses the use of game theory to teach introductory college microeconomics. The authors demonstrate its applicability for illustrating traditional economic models and for generating new models in areas where current theory is lacking. An appendix includes simulation-gaming exercises to demonstrate the characteristic dynamics of imperfect…

Discusses a study which examined the effect of an introductory course in microeconomics on the college level on student attitudes toward liberalism and conservatism. The sample consisted of students enrolled in courses in microeconomics, psychology, and sociology at North Texas State University in 1978. Findings indicated that students who have…