Using Computers in Undergraduate Economics Courses

Seven computer assignments for undergraduate economics students that concentrate on building a foundation for programming higher level mathematical calculations are described. The purpose of each assignment, the computer program for it, and the correct answers are provided. "Introduction to Tex...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Barr, Saul Z, Harmon, Oscar
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.11.1983
Subjects
Computer Assisted Instruction
Computer Literacy
Computer Software
Economics Education
Higher Education
Homework
Instructional Improvement
Programing
Statistical Analysis System
Teaching Methods
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Summary:Seven computer assignments for undergraduate economics students that concentrate on building a foundation for programming higher level mathematical calculations are described. The purpose of each assignment, the computer program for it, and the correct answers are provided. "Introduction to Text Editing" acquaints the student with some basic commands; "Introduction to the SAS Computer Language" teaches students commands for data set definition, data set entry, and data set procedures. The third exercise is a graph-plotting problem dealing with supply and demand. "Plotting a Consumption Function" requires the student to enter data on consumption and income, plot the consumption function, and calculate the marginal propensity to consume and the simple multiplier. In "Plotting a Phillips Curve," students enter data on unemployment and inflation and sketch in the Phillips Curve(s) that best fits. In the money supply exercise students use a program that plots the money supply, with lags, against inflation. The last exercise asks students about the relationship between deficits and interest rates over time. Four illustrative plots are included at the end of the seven exercises. Computer software designed for economics instruction for adults is also described and a five-page bibliography on the use of computers in economics education is given. (IS)