Learning Techniques in Economics at the Principles Level

Abstract

When a student in introductory economics approaches us for study advice, what study methods should we recommend? Economists have been vocal about their belief that their discipline is more analytical and rigorous than other social sciences and, therefore, needs special study techniques for efficient learning. However, the literature on economic education is silent on what these techniques are. This paper attempts to fill the gap in the economic literature on discipline-specific learning techniques. We discuss, in the context of an illustrative lecture on price elasticity of demand, several study tips for efficient learning of economics. We believe these study techniques, though valuable for other disciplines, are uniquely suited for economics and would enhance the chances of students in introductory economics learning the subject well.