Robert F. Hodgin

Information Theory and Attitude Formation in Economic Education.

Hodgin presents an econometric model in which attitudes toward economics are modified by performance in the course (as grades accumulate) and in which performance is modified by changes in attitude. The “results” support the economics of information rationale that informational messages about performance in economics affect attitude.”

Correlates to Long-Term-Care Nurse Turnover: Survey Results from the State of West Virginia

Abstract The authors sought statistical correlates to long-term-care nurse turnover using surveys from 253 practicing nurses across 54 of 55 counties in West Virginia. A chi-square test for homogeneity showed significant relationships between select demographic variables and job-related dimensions categorized either as benefits (pay, schedule flexibility and growth opportunity, travel time to work, patient behavior, facility conditions, supervisor relations) or job-related dimensions categorized as costs (travel time to work, patient behavior, facility conditions, supervisor relations, and family needs). Five demographic characteristics: gender, education level, job title, county in West Virginia region, and facility size bore no relationship to any job-related dimension listed.

An Economic Analysis of Student-Reported Grading Errors.

The authors report on a study involving an objective test that was intentionally misscored on the copies of the examination returned to students. Upon being advised that there may have been errors made in the scoring of the papers and upon having been given the correct answers, students were asked to report errors. Not surprisingly, not all perceived errors were reported and the decision to report errors appeared to depend on whether or not the reporting was to the benefit of the student.

Applying Economic Model ‘Efficiency Wage’ Concept for Pharmacists Can ‘Efficient’ Salaries Reduce Pharmacist Turnover?

Professional articles regarding managerial means to address pharmacist turnover generally focus on policy and psychological dimensions in lieu of relative cost analysis. We present a cost–benefit argument, based on ‘efficiency wage theory’ from the economics literature to reduce the rate of pharmacist turnover in retail establishments and hospitals. Drawing from national pharmacist data, we discuss the rationale for how much management could enhance pharmacist salaries in an organization to cost effectively reduce the turnover rate. We suggest using the approach as an adjunct to existing managerial policies aimed at reducing pharmacist turnover.

Marshall Jevons, Murder at the Margin.

The author reviews several recent murder mysteries that incorporate economic methodology as the sleuths investigating technique.