William L. Davis

Does High School Economics Turn Off Too Many Students

Few, if any, published studies have considered the possibility that students exposed to high school economics may actually leave a course knowing less about economics than when they entered. This a...

ECONOMISTS' USES FOR COGNITIVE DISSONANCE: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY NOTE '

Since its publication in 1957, A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance by Festinger has generated much discussion and debate among psychologists. In recent years economists have begun employing this theory to explain economic behavior and various other economic issues. This research note summarizes some of the economic studies in which cognitive dissonance has been employed. As discussed, the application of this theory is gaining some popularity with economists.

Economists' Perceptions of Their Own Professional Research

A recent survey of 1,000 professional economists indicates they believe their research does afford spillover benefits for various audiences. A majority believe, however, that those benefits are limited and unevenly distributed.