Knowledge of economics is important for individuals to function effectively as citizens in an increasingly connected world economy. Economic literacy includes understanding how economies and markets work, what the benefits and costs of economic interaction and interdependence are, and that people have to make choices because resources are…

Asserts that, on average, women score lower on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Subject Test in Economics. Reports on a study of 149 student scores on the test to identify factors associated with this differential performance. Finds little support for the notion that men are simply better than women in quantitative areas. (CFR)

The consequences in terms of misclassifications of students that would occur by replacing the constructed-response portion of the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in economics with more multiple-choice items were studied. The 1991 AP examinations in micro- and macroeconomics were used. Computer simulation found that a small but statistically…