Behavioral Economics Research Paper Topics

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This list of behavioral economics research paper topics is intended to provide students and researchers with a comprehensive guide for selecting research topics in the field of behavioral economics. The importance of choosing a pertinent and engaging topic for your research paper is paramount, and this guide is designed to facilitate this crucial process. We offer an extensive list of topics, divided into ten categories, each with ten unique ideas. Additionally, we provide expert advice on how to select a topic from this multitude and how to write a compelling research paper in behavioral economics. Lastly, we introduce iResearchNet’s professional writing services, tailored to support your academic journey and ensure success in your research endeavors.

100 Behavioral Economics Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic is a critical step in the research process. The topic you select will guide your study and influence the complexity and relevance of your work. In the field of behavioral economics, there are numerous intriguing topics that can be explored. To assist you in this process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of behavioral economics research paper topics. These topics are divided into ten categories, each offering a different perspective on behavioral economics.

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  • The role of heuristics in decision-making
  • Prospect theory and its applications
  • Time inconsistency and hyperbolic discounting
  • The endowment effect and loss aversion
  • Mental accounting and its implications
  • The role of anchoring in economic decisions
  • Framing effect in marketing strategies
  • The paradox of choice: More is less
  • Nudge theory in public policy
  • Trust game in behavioral economics
  • The role of emotions in economic decisions
  • Overconfidence bias in financial markets
  • Decision-making under uncertainty
  • The impact of social norms on economic behavior
  • The role of fairness and inequality aversion in economic decisions
  • The effect of cognitive dissonance on consumer behavior
  • The impact of stress on economic decisions
  • The role of regret and disappointment in economic decisions
  • The effect of peer influence on economic behavior
  • The role of culture in economic decision-making
  • The use of nudges in public policy
  • The impact of behavioral economics on tax policy
  • The role of behavioral economics in health policy
  • Behavioral insights in environmental policy
  • The influence of behavioral economics on education policy
  • The role of behavioral economics in social welfare policy
  • The impact of behavioral economics on retirement policy
  • Behavioral economics and traffic policy
  • The role of behavioral economics in energy policy
  • The influence of behavioral economics on housing policy
  • The role of behavioral biases in personal financial decisions
  • The impact of financial literacy on economic behavior
  • Behavioral economics and retirement savings
  • The role of behavioral economics in credit card debt
  • The impact of behavioral economics on investment decisions
  • Behavioral economics and insurance decisions
  • The role of behavioral economics in household budgeting
  • The impact of behavioral economics on mortgage decisions
  • Behavioral economics and financial planning
  • The role of behavioral economics in financial education
  • The role of behavioral economics in pricing strategies
  • Behavioral economics and consumer choice
  • The impact of behavioral economics on advertising
  • Behavioral economics and product design
  • The role of behavioral economics in sales strategies
  • Behavioral economics and customer loyalty
  • The impact of behavioral economics on branding
  • Behavioral economics and e-commerce
  • The role of behavioral economics in business negotiations
  • Behavioral economics and corporate decision-making
  • The role of behavioral economics in health behaviors
  • Behavioral economics and healthcare decisions
  • The impact of behavioral economics on health insurance choices
  • Behavioral economics and preventive health care
  • The role of behavioral economics in obesity and diet choices
  • Behavioral economics and smoking cessation
  • The impact of behavioral economics on medication adherence
  • Behavioral economics and mental health
  • The role of behavioral economics in exercise and physical activity
  • Behavioral economics and alcohol consumption
  • The role of behavioral economics in promoting sustainable behavior
  • Behavioral economics and energy conservation
  • The impact of behavioral economics on recycling behavior
  • Behavioral economics and water conservation
  • The role of behavioral economics in climate change mitigation
  • Behavioral economics and sustainable transportation
  • The impact of behavioral economics on sustainable consumption
  • Behavioral economics and green investments
  • The role of behavioral economics in biodiversity conservation
  • Behavioral economics and waste reduction
  • The role of behavioral economics in digital marketing
  • Behavioral economics and online shopping behavior
  • The impact of behavioral economics on social media usage
  • Behavioral economics and cybersecurity
  • The role of behavioral economics in technology adoption
  • Behavioral economics and online privacy decisions
  • The impact of behavioral economics on mobile app usage
  • Behavioral economics and virtual reality
  • The role of behavioral economics in video game design
  • Behavioral economics and artificial intelligence
  • The role of behavioral economics in educational choices
  • Behavioral economics and student motivation
  • The impact of behavioral economics on study habits
  • Behavioral economics and school attendance
  • The role of behavioral economics in academic performance
  • Behavioral economics and college enrollment decisions
  • The impact of behavioral economics on student loan decisions
  • Behavioral economics and teacher incentives
  • The role of behavioral economics in educational policy
  • Behavioral economics and lifelong learning
  • The role of neuroscience in behavioral economics
  • Behavioral economics and inequality
  • The impact of behavioral economics on economic modeling
  • Behavioral economics and big data
  • The role of behavioral economics in addressing social issues
  • Behavioral economics and virtual currencies
  • The impact of behavioral economics on behavioral change interventions
  • Behavioral economics and the sharing economy
  • The role of behavioral economics in understanding happiness and well-being
  • Behavioral economics and the future of work

This comprehensive list of behavioral economics research paper topics provides a wide range of options for your research. Each category offers unique insights into the different aspects of behavioral economics, from fundamental concepts to future directions. Remember, the best research paper topic is one that not only interests you but also has sufficient resources for you to explore. We hope this list inspires you and aids you in your journey to write a compelling research paper in behavioral economics.

Introduction to Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics is an intriguing and dynamic field that bridges the gap between traditional economic theory and actual human behavior. It integrates insights from psychology, judgment, and decision-making into economic analysis, providing a more accurate and nuanced understanding of human behavior.

Traditional economic theory often assumes that individuals are rational agents who make decisions based on maximizing their utility. However, behavioral economics challenges this assumption, recognizing that individuals often act irrationally due to various cognitive biases and heuristics. These deviations from rationality can significantly impact economic decisions and outcomes, making behavioral economics a critical field of study.

Research papers in behavioral economics allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest, contributing to their personal knowledge and the broader academic community. These papers can explore a wide range of topics, from understanding the role of cognitive biases in financial decision-making to examining the impact of behavioral interventions on public policy.

The importance of behavioral economics extends beyond academia. It has real-world implications in various sectors, including policy-making, business, finance, and healthcare. By understanding the psychological underpinnings of economic decisions, we can design better products, policies, and interventions that align with actual human behavior.

How to Choose a Behavioral Economics Topic

Choosing a research topic is a critical step in the research process. The topic you select will guide your study, influence the complexity and relevance of your work, and determine how engaged you are throughout the process. In the field of behavioral economics, there are numerous intriguing topics that can be explored. Here are some expert tips to assist you in this process:

  • Understanding Your Interests: The first step in choosing a research topic is to understand your interests. What areas of behavioral economics fascinate you the most? Are you interested in how behavioral economics influences policy making, or are you more intrigued by its role in personal finance or marketing? Reflecting on these questions can help you narrow down your options and choose a topic that truly engages you. Remember, research is a time-consuming process, and your interest in the topic will keep you motivated.
  • Evaluating the Scope of the Topic: Once you have identified your areas of interest, the next step is to evaluate the scope of potential topics. A good research topic should be neither too broad nor too narrow. If it’s too broad, you may struggle to cover all aspects of the topic effectively. If it’s too narrow, you may have difficulty finding enough information to support your research. Try to choose a topic that is specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to have sufficient resources.
  • Assessing Available Resources and Data: Before finalizing a topic, it’s important to assess the available resources and data. Are there enough academic sources, such as books, journal articles, and reports, that you can use for your research? Is there accessible data that you can analyze if your research requires it? A preliminary review of literature and data can save you from choosing a topic with limited resources.
  • Considering the Relevance and Applicability of the Topic: Another important factor to consider is the relevance and applicability of the topic. Is the topic relevant to current issues in behavioral economics? Can the findings of your research be applied in real-world settings? Choosing a relevant and applicable topic can increase the impact of your research and make it more interesting for your audience.
  • Seeking Advice: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your professors, peers, or other experts in the field. They can provide valuable insights, suggest resources, and help you refine your topic. Discussing your ideas with others can also help you see different perspectives and identify potential issues that you may not have considered.
  • Flexibility: Finally, be flexible. Research is a dynamic process, and it’s okay to modify your topic as you delve deeper into your study. You may discover new aspects of the topic that are more interesting or find that some aspects are too challenging to explore due to constraints. Being flexible allows you to adapt your research to these changes and ensure that your study is both feasible and engaging.

Remember, choosing a research topic is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration and planning. However, with these expert tips, you can navigate this process more effectively and choose a behavioral economics research paper topic that not only meets your academic requirements but also fuels your passion for learning.

How to Write a Behavioral Economics Research Paper

Writing a research paper in behavioral economics, like any other academic paper, requires careful planning, thorough research, and meticulous writing. Here are some expert tips to guide you through this process:

  • Understanding the Structure of a Research Paper: A typical research paper includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The introduction presents your research question and its significance. The literature review provides an overview of existing research related to your topic. The methodology explains how you conducted your research. The results section presents your findings, and the discussion interprets these findings in the context of your research question. Finally, the conclusion summarizes your research and suggests areas for future research.
  • Developing a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the central argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and debatable. A strong thesis statement guides your research and helps your readers understand the purpose of your paper.
  • Conducting Thorough Research: Before you start writing, conduct a thorough review of the literature related to your topic. This will help you understand the current state of research in your area, identify gaps in the literature, and position your research within this context. Use academic databases to find relevant books, journal articles, and other resources. Remember to evaluate the credibility of your sources and take detailed notes to help you when writing.
  • Writing and Revising Drafts: Start writing your research paper by creating an outline based on the structure of a research paper. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all necessary sections. Write a first draft without worrying too much about perfection. Focus on getting your ideas down first. Then, revise your draft to improve clarity, coherence, and argumentation. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supports your thesis statement.
  • Proper Citation and Avoiding Plagiarism: Always cite your sources properly to give credit to the authors whose work you are building upon and to avoid plagiarism. Familiarize yourself with the citation style required by your institution or discipline, such as APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard. There are many citation tools available online that can help you with this.
  • Seeking Feedback: Don’t hesitate to seek feedback on your drafts from your professors, peers, or writing centers at your institution. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve your paper.
  • Proofreading: Finally, proofread your paper to check for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies in formatting. A well-written, error-free paper makes a good impression on your readers and enhances the credibility of your research.

Remember, writing a research paper is a process that requires time, effort, and patience. Don’t rush through it. Take your time to understand your topic, conduct thorough research, and write carefully. With these expert tips, you can write a compelling behavioral economics research paper that contributes to your academic success and the broader field of behavioral economics.

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Committee on Future Directions for Applying Behavioral Economics to Policy; Beatty A, Moffitt R, Buttenheim A, editors. Behavioral Economics: Policy Impact and Future Directions. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Apr 20.

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Behavioral Economics: Policy Impact and Future Directions.

  • Hardcopy Version at National Academies Press

14 Advancing the Field of Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics has grown steadily as a field over the last several decades. Journals and academic departments devoted to it have established themselves, and behavioral economists have studied the application of their ideas to numerous policy challenges, as detailed throughout this report. Returning to the charge that guided this study, we close with our review of the development of the field and its theoretical foundations, as well as our findings about the primary behavioral economics strategies and how they have been applied. In this chapter we synthesize key conclusions from the research to date and offer recommendations to guide the future development of the field and capitalize fully on its potential to help meet critical societal goals, including directions for the research that is needed to support continued growth.

  • CONCLUSIONS

We draw two primary conclusions from our review: that behavioral knowledge is indispensable to the development of effective policy interventions and that work is needed to support intervention design and broad-scale implementation.

Developing Effective Policy Interventions

Foundational theoretical work that has integrated understanding of cognitive and psychosocial processes with economic analysis has pointed to five core principles that help to explain human decision making: limited attention and cognition, inaccurate beliefs, present bias, reference dependence and framing, and social preferences and social norms (see Chapter 3 ). Empirical research has provided strong evidence that these behavioral factors play a major role in human decisions and are therefore key factors to consider in assessing the impact of public policy programs and in designing interventions to modify human behavior.

We acknowledge that our review of the available evidence was not comprehensive and that, for reasons discussed throughout the report, positive findings of effects may be more likely to garner attention than null or negative findings. We hope the field will continue to produce studies that can provide the most robust evidence of effectiveness—or lack of it—such as large-scale studies and meta-analyses.

Nevertheless, the accumulated evidence across the six domains is significant: it shows that decision processes are dynamic, malleable, and context dependent and that understanding these factors helps to explain how and why people behave in ways that appear to be counter to rational calculations. That evidence from research in behavioral economics demonstrates that those behavioral decision processes recur repeatedly and have significant impact on policy-relevant behavior, which in turn has strong implications for policies that differ from those that are suggested by traditional economics.

This report examines this impact in six important domains, but behavioral economics concepts are also being applied in many other contexts, including contexts not generally considered for behavioral economics input. For example, recent reports of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that addressed improving fuel economy (2021), reducing consumer food waste (2020), and reducing alcohol-impaired fatalities (2018) all discuss behavioral economics approaches among varied other interventions. Behavioral economics has also had a profound influence in commercial contexts, as we note below. In the future, understanding of behavior has the potential to play a key role in other urgent societal issues we have not addressed, such as combating misinformation; see Box 14-1 .

Using Behavioral Knowledge to Combat False and Misleading Information.

Conclusion 14-1: The very strong evidence that complex cognitive, social, behavioral, and contextual factors influence judgment and decision making means that behavioral economics concepts are indispensable for advancing scientific understanding of policy-relevant human behavior and for designing public policies. Behavioral economics has produced invaluable evidence about why people act in seemingly irrational ways, how they respond to interventions, and how public policy and practice interventions can be designed to modify the habitual and unconscious ways that people act and make decisions.

Supporting Design and Implementation

The evidence for the importance of behavioral ideas is strong, but the refinement of strategies for applying these principles in a systematic way to the design of policies and interventions remains a frontier challenge. There is clear and strong evidence that specific interventions based on these principles have been effective at changing certain targeted behaviors, and it is also clear that behavioral economics research has contributed to a large and expanding set of policy interventions that includes strategies with excellent empirical evidence of effectiveness (e.g., defaults, framing). For other intervention approaches commonly studied, such as behaviorally informed incentives and social proof interventions, the evidence is mixed, nuanced, or still emerging.

Some types of decisions appear to be more amenable to behaviorally informed interventions than others. It is comparatively easy to influence a one-time, up-or-down decision, such as whether or not to opt in to a retirement savings plan, or to make it easier and more likely for a target population to complete a specific action, such as filling out an application form. Interventions that have targeted more complex behaviors, such as programs to reward teachers for increasing their students’ test scores, or approaches to changing how clinicians approach complex diagnosis and treatment decisions, have not yielded such clear-cut or consistent results.

It is important to acknowledge that research demonstrating positive effects for behavioral economics interventions typically shows modest effect sizes. This is not necessarily a surprising finding, particularly because many of the intervention studies are comparatively low in cost and easy to administer. However, as we emphasize clearly in the work on climate change—a challenge of unmeasurable magnitude—the application of combinations of individually modest interventions can cumulatively bring important changes and benefits for relatively little cost.

Throughout the report we also identify additional persistent challenges in the application of behavioral economics for policy: it is not easy or straightforward to generalize findings from specific contexts, and implementing successful interventions at scale remains elusive. Moreover, deeper understanding of why and when observed effects occur would be valuable. Even when intervention or policy studies demonstrate a positive effect on behavior, there is insufficient knowledge about mechanisms of action and about differential responses to the intervention or policy by different groups. For example, in the context of inaccurate beliefs, understanding of the relevant mechanisms would be enhanced if data on both beliefs and behavior were collected and analyzed. For example, testing whether beliefs held by participants before the intervention were inaccurate and whether the intervention was effective in changing them would be valuable. Our review of six policy domains (in Part II ) also suggests that behavioral economists have yet to fully embrace the concept of behavioral design—the systematic process by which interventions and strategies to change human behavior are designed. That is, specific interventions are often tested without sufficient attention to behavioral design principles.

Conclusion 14-2: The field of behavioral economics has made significant advances over the past 20 years, producing evidence about both general principles and specific intervention approaches that address policy challenges in many domains. However, the field has not yet produced generalizable and implementable practice guidance and intervention design strategies for determining what works, when, and for whom. Whether the goal of providing such specific guidance can be achieved, given the importance of context and the unique characteristics of many targets of behavior change, is not clear.
  • RECOMMENDATIONS

As noted above, behavioral economics research has generated a large volume of promising results. But there is also much more to learn, and there are contributions to be made in new policy domains. The committee recommends strategies for funders, research and professional organizations, and universities to support future development in the field of behavioral economics; such support would certainly be appropriate in other research fields, but our focus is on work in behavioral economics. We also recommend priorities for research.

Recommendation 14-1: Researchers and funders of research should balance attention and funding across: basic research in intervention design, interdisciplinary investigation, and development of methods; research to support applications of behavioral economics concepts in practice, including implementation and scale-up and evaluation; and research to explore and support the positive contributions of behavioral economics to society, including attention to equity of impact and attitudes about behavioral interventions. Recommendation 14-2: Funders and university leaders should prioritize investments in interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Behavioral economics is rooted in the integration of ideas from diverse academic domains, and its future progress will depend on continued interdisciplinary collaboration. Such interaction is not easy and faces well-known obstacles: differences in theoretical perspectives, terminology, research methods and tools, and standards of evidence all bring challenges. Nevertheless, interdisciplinary work, involving researchers from many domains, including cognitive and social psychology and neuroeconomics, can help to pinpoint how the human brain processes and responds to information.

Practical strategies, such as setting up (and funding) multidisciplinary labs or working groups in which teams of researchers can regularly collaborate and identifying funders for methodologies and projects that do not fit established research contexts, can help to address the challenges of implementation (see Chapter 13 ). Examples include the Behavioral Economics Design Initiative at the University of Pittsburgh, which focuses on behavioral economics and mechanism design, and the Nudge4 Lab at the University of Virginia. 1 In general, establishing stronger incentives (e.g., in the contexts of research support, journal publication, academic advancement) for interdisciplinary research and training for students and younger scholars in interdisciplinary work will yield long-term benefits for the field.

Recommendation 14-3: Researchers and funders of research should prioritize research related to methods and ways of understanding the mechanisms of behavior and behavior change. Specifically, research is needed to: advance behavioral design and intervention design methods to better link behavioral principles and insights to specific intervention and policy goals; advance methods for conducting pilot and rapid-cycle studies; accumulate more evidence on how findings from one setting can be applied to other settings or at broader scales; realize the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to improve tailoring and targeting; bring cutting-edge adaptive trial design approaches to behavioral economics studies; and incorporate empirical methods from other disciplines and fields that can enrich behavioral economics research. Recommendation 14-4: Researchers, funders of research, and entities that support or sponsor behavioral units in organizations should prioritize research and practice initiatives that increase the impact of behavioral economics findings through implementation, scale-up, and evaluation of potentially successful interventions and policies.

As evidence that an intervention has been effective in a particular context accumulates (in any research field), it is important that larger studies, with larger samples and more variants, be conducted to replicate the findings and test how well the intervention works in practice, across contexts and populations. In some cases, the results will be confirmed; in others, they will not; and others will point to a redesign or a refinement. This phase of the research—scaling studies that involve patience and resources—is essential for behavioral tools to bring meaningful societal benefits.

Many social science disciplines and policy domains emphasize the importance of systems of ongoing evaluation, in which research, design and development, testing of ideas, and evaluation each contribute to a continuous cycle of learning and refinement and improvement of policy interventions (see, e.g., Patton, Sawicki, & Clark, 2012 ). In the context of behavioral economics interventions, ongoing data collection, pilot testing, and long-term surveillance are of particular importance because of the need to assess the durability and sustainability of effects, as well as differential response to policies by different populations. The committee examined many policy interventions that were designed with behavioral principles in mind but was not able to look systematically, from the perspective of policy makers, at how regularly behavioral factors are currently considered in the design of policy. It seems likely, however, that the majority of policy recommendations still rely primarily or exclusively on traditional economic modeling.

Recommendation 14-5: Researchers, funders of research, and entities that support or sponsor behavioral units in organizations should prioritize ongoing investigations into the role of behavioral economics in society, with specific attention to the equity implications of behavioral economics policies and interventions; the implications of public attitudes toward the ethics of behavioral economics research and practice, as well as their acceptance by the general public; and possible public policy interest in commercial applications of behavioral economics findings.

It was not part of our charge to identify priorities for the specific policy goals that should be addressed using behavioral economics approaches, but three issues in policy implementation raise broad questions: equity of impact, attitudes about interventions, and commercial application of behaviorally based findings.

Equity of Impact

It is reasonable to ask whether behavioral interventions are reaching those most in need, and whether such interventions in some cases may have the negative unintended consequence of increasing inequalities ( Blumenthal-Barby & Burrough, 2012 ; Lunze & Paasche-Orlow, 2013 ; Lin, Osman, & Ashcroft, 2017 ). These are empirical questions and, as far as the committee is aware, there is limited evidence on them.

Attitudes About Behavioral Interventions

The use of behavioral interventions, such as nudges, can be perceived as paternalistic (as can many government interventions). That is, behavioral economics reveals that people’s behaviors and actions cannot be assumed to accurately reveal their preferences or reflect their conscious thinking about a decision. Thus, policy makers using behaviorally informed interventions are making decisions for people about what would be optimal for them. Thus, it is important to give close scrutiny to how the target of change is chosen and how certain policy makers are that the change will actually benefit the people who are induced to make it.

It is also important to consider how researchers and policy makers know that a particular outcome, which may appear to be desirable from a societal perspective, can be construed as beneficial to an individual, and that, in effect, manipulating a person to change their behavior is an unmitigated good ( Liscow & Markovits, 2022 ). Another important question is whether people’s attitudes about interventions affect their responses to them—that is, whether the perception that nudges and other behaviorally based interventions may be paternalistic might influence the way people respond when they recognize that they are the target of one. These issues may arise with any sort of incentive, but the possibility that some people may respond when they recognize behaviorally based strategies—such as an energy bill that compares one’s energy use with that of one’s neighbors—by determining to resist the desired behavior merits investigation.

Commercial Application of Behavioral Economics Knowledge

Ideas grounded in behavioral research are used in commercial contexts, usually to induce people to buy things. While it is not the job of behavioral economics researchers to police the applications of their ideas, they might profitably explore such understudied questions as how behavioral ideas are being used, how consumer responses may vary across business and policy domains, and when marketing that takes advantage of knowledge of biases crosses an ethical line.

All human decision making is influenced by the context in which those decisions are made. The influence of context on decisions often occurs in ways that consumers are aware of, through design, detectable nudges, and so on. But many factors have been shown to influence people’s decisions in ways that they are often unaware of and cannot control; moreover, even hypothetical questions can influence people’s subsequent decisions ( Fitzsimons & Shiv, 2001 ).

Advertising, of course, is a hugely profitable and effective means of shaping preferences, often in ways consumers are unaware of and unable to avoid. In a study offering loans to low-income borrowers, various features of the offer letter that had no economic implications were found to have a large effect on take-up. There is compelling evidence that television advertising influences children’s food and beverage preferences, requests, and consumption habits. One study found that a majority of Australian children ages 9–10 believed that Ronald McDonald knew best what children should eat ( Olfman, 2005 ). Another study found that the number of hours of television watched by children ages 3–8 correlated with their caloric intake and their requests for—and their parents’ subsequent purchases of—foods they see on television ( Taras et al., 1989 ). These peripheral and undetected effects on people’s decision behavior have been observed among novices and experts, in situations of intentional manipulation, in cases where people are not aware of the manipulation, and sometimes when the manipulating factors are altered without any human involvement.

Although researchers in the field of behavioral industrial organization, in particular, have examined some of these questions, there are no straightforward rules or answers (for a review, see, e.g., Heidhues & Kőszegi, 2018 ). It is important that researchers and those who apply and use research keep these questions in mind when making decisions, including in the design of research studies and selection of study populations. Empirical investigation of how behavioral economics findings are used by both public and private entities to influence consumer attitudes and behaviors could contribute to public policy thinking about the possibility of using regulatory mechanisms to limit actions that cross ethical boundaries.

Recommendation 14-6: Funders and university leaders should foster the development and application of behavioral economics by supporting training opportunities for public policy professionals. They should also support learning about practices for research transparency.

The successful development and implementation of policies that incorporate knowledge from behavioral economics depend in part on people who have been trained in behavioral principles and understand their application in policy making. Many policy schools are now including coursework on behavioral public policy; further progress in this area will be valuable for the field and for policy makers.

  • CONCLUDING OBSERVATION

We close with a few reflections on the future of behavioral economics. As ongoing questions about whether research discussed in this report is more properly regarded as a domain of economics or a domain of behavioral science suggest, the field’s boundaries are not precise. From the committee’s perspective, this was less important than the benefits behaviorally based approaches can bring in the development of policy. It is also perhaps a reason to think about future aspirations for application of these ideas, however they are categorized.

Most of the research we identified investigated ways in which behavioral biases interfere with a desired policy outcome and how behaviorally based interventions counteract those biases. This analysis can be applied beyond the context of the individual behaviors that are the focus of most behavioral economics research to help explain nonrational responses to complex regulatory structures, for example. That is, there may be behavioral solutions to problems that are not primarily the result of individual behavioral biases, such as the externalities that are such important considerations in combating climate change.

Thus, it is important not only to consider a broader range of solutions to behavioral biases but also to consider applying behavioral solutions even when there is no clear problem of cognitive bias. It is likely that ideas not explicitly identified as coming from behavioral economics research, but that nevertheless take advantage of behavioral insights, have already influenced the development of policy. All of these are reasons to be optimistic about the future contributions of the field.

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See https://sites ​.google ​.com/view/bedi-university-of-pittsburgh ​/home and https://nudge4 ​.org

  • Cite this Page National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Committee on Future Directions for Applying Behavioral Economics to Policy; Beatty A, Moffitt R, Buttenheim A, editors. Behavioral Economics: Policy Impact and Future Directions. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2023 Apr 20. 14, Advancing the Field of Behavioral Economics.
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Economics Research Topics

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Welcome to our latest blog post on economics research topics! Whether you are an academic seeking inspiration or a student looking for a starting point for your next assignment, you've come to the right place. 

With so many areas to explore in economics, it can be difficult to know where to begin. But don't worry, we've got your back. In this post, our online paper writers have shared some of the most interesting and hot economics research paper topics. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's dive in!

What Are Economics Research Topics?

Economics is a social science that studies how people, businesses, and governments make decisions about how to use resources. It deals with issues like production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. 

As a student, you might be given to write a research paper on research topics in economics. These types of social science topics can cover a wide range of subjects, including:

  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • International economics
  • Behavioral economics, and more.

Whether you are interested in exploring current trends, global markets or history, or taxes, we collected a bunch of economics topics for a research paper to choose from. Stay with our service to spot the best idea for your upcoming project.

Characteristics of Good Economics Research Paper Topics

When it comes to selecting a research topic related to economics, it is important to decide on a subject that is not only interesting but also appropriate for your academic level. Consider these fundamental characteristics of good economics paper topics to make a wise choice:

  • Select a title that is both relevant and is intended to solve a current issue.
  • Choose a unique topic that has not been explored too much by other researchers.
  • Make sure you can easily access the data or sources needed to create your paper.
  • Consider if the topic has the potential to be of practical or social importance.
  • Pick an area that genuinely interests you and will keep you motivated throughout your project.

How to Choose an Economics Research Paper Topic?

Choosing between this selection of economics project ideas can be really difficult especially if you are first to this. However, with a little bit of guidance, you will see that there is nothing challenging about picking a proper topic for a research paper in economics. Take a look at these step-by-step instructions to make the right decision:

  • Brainstorm potential economics research topics that sound interesting to you in the first place. After all, you don’t want to work with boring aspects.
  • Narrow your list down and consider whether there are enough resources to back up your research.
  • Carry out preliminary investigation to see what you can write about. Use academic journals, newspapers, and other reputable sources to gather information.
  • Check if the topic complies with your instructor’s guidelines.
  • Based on your research and requirements alter a title to create a focused research question.

Remember to choose a topic that you are passionate about and that aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Economics Research Topics List

Economics is a vast field that encompasses a wide range of topics and issues. If you're looking for inspiration for your next research paper, consider exploring one of these top research paper topics in economics:

  • What is the impact of trade policies on international trade patterns?
  • How does income inequality affect economic growth?
  • What role does entrepreneurship play in economic development?
  • How do government regulations affect market efficiency?
  • What are the economic implications of climate change and environmental policy?
  • How do automation and artificial intelligence affect the labor market?
  • What are the effects of healthcare policies on the economy and society?
  • How does education influence economic outcomes?
  • What are some economic aspects of taxation and fiscal policy?
  • How does globalization impact domestic economies and societies?

Interesting Research Topics in Economics

Are you searching for interesting topics in economics? Look no further than these cptivting economic paper topics ideas.

  • How do government policies impact income mobility?
  • What role do financial institutions play in economic growth?
  • Economics of housing and homelessness.
  • How do immigration policies shape the labor market?
  • Impact of gender inequality on economic growth.
  • Sustainable development and renewable energy.
  • What are some effects of globalization on income distribution?
  • How do minimum wage policies impact employment and poverty?
  • Economics of crime and punishment.
  • How does corruption relate to economic growth?
  • Effects of social welfare policies on income inequality.
  • Healthcare markets and insurance systems.
  • How does technology influence income distribution and employment?
  • Education financing and student loan debt.
  • How do economic sanctions affect international trade and diplomacy?

Good Topics for Economic Research Papers

Economics research topics are diverse and can be approached from various angles. Below are some great economic topics to write about:

  • What are some effects of social media on consumer behavior and advertising?
  • What is the relationship between corporate social responsibility and profitability?
  • Sharing economy and its impact on traditional industries.
  • How does climate change affect the tourism industry economically?
  • Economics of healthcare systems and policies in developing countries.
  • How does population aging influence labor markets and retirement policies?
  • How does artificial intelligence impact business and employment?
  • What factors are involved in energy transition and the shift to renewable energy?
  • Income inequality and political polarization.
  • How do digital streaming services and the music industry intersect economically?
  • How does cultural diversity contribute to growth and innovation?
  • Effects of trade agreements on income distribution.
  • Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
  • How does globalization impact labor standards and working conditions?
  • Natural disasters and economic growth.

Best Economics Research Topics

Want to take your project to the next level? Don’t skip these hot economic research questions. They suit any academic level and can be supported by credible evidence.

  • Big data and its role in economic forecasting.
  • How does public debt impact economic growth?
  • The economics of international migration.
  • What is the impact of technological innovation on income inequality?
  • The role of infrastructure investment in fostering economic growth.
  • The economics of the gig economy and freelance work.
  • How does foreign aid affect economic development?
  • The economics of natural resource management and sustainability.
  • What is the impact of urbanization on economic growth and development?
  • The economics of the entertainment industry and streaming services.
  • How do exchange rate fluctuations influence trade and investment?
  • The economics of food production and distribution systems.
  • How do government regulations affect small businesses economically?
  • The study of behavioral finance and decision-making in economics.
  • What is the impact of monetary policy on financial markets and inflation?

Unique Economics Research Topics

Economics is a constantly evolving field that offers endless possibilities for research and analysis. That’s why choosing unique economic research ideas shouldn’t be a big deal. Below we added a list of authentic topics you most likely won’t be able to find anywhere else.

  • How does mobile banking contribute to financial inclusion in emerging economies?
  • How do natural disasters affect supply chains?
  • What are some effects of gender bias in venture capital funding decisions?
  • How does population density influence the demand for public transportation in urban areas?
  • Virtual currencies and their potential as an alternative to traditional currencies.
  • How do government subsidies influence the adoption of renewable energy?
  • How do industrial policies shape innovation and contribute to economic growth?
  • Alternative meat and its potential impact on the food industry.
  • What is the relationship between public transit availability and property values in urban areas?
  • How does corruption impact economic growth and development?
  • Renewable energy storage systems and their impact on grid stability.
  • What are some effects of automation on job displacement and income inequality?
  • Blockchain technology in the banking industry and financial transactions.
  • International trade in cultural goods and services.
  • How does income inequality relate to health outcomes from an economic standpoint?

Popular Economics Topics for Research Paper

Do you want to focus on current and pressing issues? Consider these trending topics for economic research papers.

  • The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy.
  • What are economic implications of healthcare reform?
  • How does globalization affect labor markets economically?
  • Climate change and the role of carbon pricing.
  • Effects of income inequality on social mobility.
  • How does automation impact employment and wages in the workforce?
  • The economics of education and the burden of student loan debt.
  • How do government regulations influence business and innovation economically?
  • Income taxation and progressive taxation.
  • Impact of immigration on labor markets.
  • Behavioral economics and the use of nudges in decision-making.
  • How do trade policies influence international relations and diplomacy?
  • Mergers and acquisitions in the business world.
  • How do minimum wage policies affect low-wage workers economically?
  • Urbanization and transportation planning.

Economics Research Paper Topics for Students

As a student, picking decent economic topics for research papers can be a challenging task. It's important to focus on relevant and interesting aspects. Below you will find some economic research paper topics specifically geared toward students of all levels.

Economics Research Topics for College Students

College students majoring in economics have a range of choices when it comes to research topics. Below are some inspiring economic paper topics you can use as inspiration for your project in college:

  • Effects of gig economy on labor markets.
  • Economic growth and environmental sustainability.
  • Impact of sharing economy on traditional industries.
  • Housing affordability and homelessness.
  • How does trade liberalization affect domestic industries and consumers?
  • How does public policy influence small business growth?
  • Food waste and its impact on sustainability.
  • Income inequality and access to education.
  • Impact of automation on the future of work.
  • Online advertising and consumer behavior.
  • How does fiscal policy influence income distribution and poverty reduction?
  • How does tax reform impact business investment?
  • Economics of international tourism and its impact on local economies.
  • Effects of financial regulation on consumer behavior and investor confidence.
  • Demographic shifts and labor force participation.

Economics Research Topics for Undergraduates

Are you an undergraduate student looking for topics related to economics? Here are some amazing ideas you can pick from:

  • Financial implications of space exploration and commercial space travel.
  • Role of urban farming in city development for sustainability.
  • Impact of genetic engineering and biotechnology on the agricultural sector.
  • Financial consequences of digital privacy.
  • Implications of mass surveillance on consumer spending patterns.
  • How do remittances influence growth in developing countries?
  • Fiscal consequences of cybercrime and cybersecurity breaches.
  • Role of microfinance in alleviating poverty.
  • Potential financial implications of quantum computing.
  • Water scarcity and its worldwide financial implications.
  • Monetary consequences of epidemics, pandemics, and public health crises.
  • Transformation of markets by virtual and augmented reality.
  • Effect of corporate governance on shareholder value.
  • Financial aspects of aging societies and pension reform.
  • Role of intellectual property rights in promoting innovation and growth.

Economics Research Topics for Grad Students

Graduate students in economics are expected to delve deeper into economic theories, models, and concepts. They are also required to contribute new insights to the field. We suggest that you choose these economics topics for research to earn a high grade:

  • How does drug legalization influence national economies?
  • Impact of universal basic income on poverty levels and unemployment rates.
  • Financial implications of political instability and conflict.
  • Impact of cultural heritage sites on local and national finances.
  • Financial repercussions of biodiversity loss and species extinction.
  • Role of venture capital in fostering startups and growth.
  • Disaster risk management and its relevance to financial resilience.
  • Potential fiscal impacts of deep-sea mining.
  • Financial consequences of single-use plastics and transition to a circular economy.
  • Business aspects of the digital gaming industry and eSports.
  • Impact of the maker movement and DIY culture on traditional manufacturing.
  • How can nanotechnology shape future market economies?
  • Impact of drone technology on supply chain operations.
  • Financial aspects of mental health in the workplace.
  • Role of public-private partnerships in fostering growth and infrastructure development.

Research Topics in Economics by Subject

Economics paper topics ideas will also depend on your area of expertise. This block will offer topics by subject, so that you can choose a theme that fits your special needs. Whether you are interested in exploring the economics of renewable energy or the effects of globalization on income distribution,you will surely spot an idea or two right below.

World Economics Research Paper Topics

The global economy is a complex and interconnected system, and there are many world economics research paper topics that can shed light on global aspects. Between them are these ideas:

  • Evolving landscape of international trade in the post-COVID era.
  • Role of Special Economic Zones in boosting global competitiveness.
  • Impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence on global financial markets.
  • How do social impact bonds contribute to global development goals?
  • Cybersecurity risks in global financial institutions: Are we prepared?
  • Influence of social entrepreneurship on worldwide poverty reduction.
  • Green bonds and their role in global sustainable finance.
  • Economic prospects of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
  • Role of global remittance flows in socioeconomic development.
  • Impact of climate change on global supply chains: What can we do?
  • Global consequences of a cashless society: Are we ready?
  • How does geopolitics affect global energy markets?
  • Repercussions of cryptocurrency adoption on global financial stability.
  • Economies of scale in global manufacturing: A new era?
  • Role of international development assistance in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

>> More ideas: Politics Research Topics

Microeconomics Research Paper Topics

Microeconomics studies the behavior of individuals and firms in making decisions regarding the allocation of resources. If you need microeconomics topics for research paper, we collected great ideas below:

  • How do consumer ethics shape purchasing decisions?
  • What influences price elasticity of demand in luxury goods markets?
  • How does the gig economy affect individual financial stability?
  • What are the key economic factors determining college major choices?
  • How do credit scores influence personal finance management?
  • What impacts have peer-to-peer lending platforms had on traditional banking?
  • What drives consumer decisions between online and brick-and-mortar shopping?
  • How do economic considerations play into personal retirement planning?
  • What market dynamics and pricing strategies dominate the smartphone industry?
  • How does behavioral economics impact personal savings habits?
  • How significantly does brand loyalty influence consumer spending?
  • What strategies help businesses survive during economic downturns?
  • How does corporate social responsibility influence consumer choice?
  • What role does digital marketing play in shaping consumer behavior?
  • What are some economic impacts of identity theft on individuals and businesses?

Macroeconomics Research Paper Topics

Unlike microeconomics, macroeconomics explores the behavior and performance of entire economies. Below are some awesome macroeconomics research paper topics:

  • Exploring connections between inflation and unemployment.
  • Impact of quantitative easing on long-term economic growth.
  • How does fiscal deficit affect a country's economic stability?
  • The role of central banks in managing economic downturns.
  • Effects of government debt on interest rates and investment.
  • What factors contribute to business cycles and economic fluctuations?
  • Examination of macroeconomic factors influencing foreign direct investment.
  • How do monetary policies impact inflation and unemployment rates?
  • Role of technology advancements in macroeconomic productivity.
  • Impact of demographic changes on long-term economic growth.
  • Can green investment stimulate economic recovery?
  • What role do exchange rates play in a country's trade balance?
  • Comparative analysis of economic growth models.
  • Macroeconomic challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
  • How does income inequality affect economic growth at a macro level?

Economics Research Paper Topics on International Trade

International trade is a vital part of the global economy and has a significant impact on development, and international relations. Here are unique topics for an economic research paper focusing on international trade:

  • Impact of Brexit on international trade relations.
  • How do currency fluctuations affect international trade?
  • Economic consequences of trade wars: A case study of U.S.-China relations.
  • Role of World Trade Organization in shaping international trade norms.
  • How does international trade contribute to economic growth?
  • Evaluation of free trade agreements and their economic implications.
  • Role of emerging markets in shaping the future of international trade.
  • How do trade barriers influence domestic industries?
  • Fair trade vs. free trade: An economic analysis.
  • Global supply chain disruptions: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Effects of international trade on income distribution within countries.
  • Economic impact of sanctions on international trade.
  • How do intellectual property rights issues affect international trade?
  • Role of e-commerce in transforming international trade.
  • What are the economic consequences of offshore outsourcing on international trade?

Financial Economics Research Topics

Financial economics is a subfield of economics that focuses on financial markets, institutions, and instruments. Here are outstanding financial economic topics for a paper:

  • Role of FinTech in shaping the future of banking.
  • Analysis of risk management strategies in investment banking.
  • How do hedge funds contribute to financial market stability?
  • Impact of regulatory changes on financial market competitiveness.
  • How does financial literacy influence individual investment decisions?
  • Examination of financial derivatives and their role in financial risk management.
  • Role of central banks in maintaining financial stability.
  • Analysis of market efficiency in cryptocurrency markets.
  • How do financial crises affect economies in the long term?
  • Financial inclusion and the role of mobile banking.
  • Impact of corporate governance on financial performance.
  • Examination of the link between financial markets and economic growth.
  • High-frequency trading: Impact on financial market stability.
  • Effect of algorithmic trading on financial market efficiency.
  • How do interest rate changes impact financial markets.

Development Economics Research Topics

Development economics studies the economic and social development of low-income countries. With this branch in mind, we prepared a list of development economic research paper topics ideas:

  •  Role of microfinance in economic empowerment in developing countries.
  • How do infrastructure projects affect economic development?
  • How do cultural factors shape economic progress in developing countries?
  • Impact of corruption on resource allocation in developing nations.
  • Impact of foreign aid on economic growth in recipient countries.
  • Evaluation of agricultural policies on rural development.
  • How do commodity price fluctuations affect developing economies?
  • Implications of population growth on resource management in emerging economies.
  • How does political stability influence economic growth in developing countries?
  • Impact of public health initiatives on economic development.
  • Analysis of sustainable development strategies in emerging economies.
  • How do migration patterns affect economic development?
  • How does technological adoption improve productivity in developing economies?
  • Role of social entrepreneurship in sustainable economic development.
  • How does tourism influence the economic development of low-income countries?

Behavioral Economics Research Paper Topics

Behavioral economics combines insights from psychology and economics to understand how people make financial decisions. Below you can find behavioral economics research topics:

  • Impact of cognitive biases on economic decision making.
  • Role of emotions in consumer purchasing behavior.
  • How does social influence shape spending habits?
  • What are the economic implications of procrastination?
  • Nudging for good: Can behavioral economics promote healthier lifestyles?
  • How does framing influence consumers' perception of price and value?
  • Role of incentives in shaping individual and collective behavior.
  • Examination of loss aversion in investment decisions.
  • Analysis of irrational behaviors in financial markets.
  • Behavioral economics in policy design: What works and why?
  • How does choice overload affect consumer decision making?
  • The effect of anchoring bias in pricing strategies.
  • Role of behavioral economics in promoting sustainable consumption.
  • How does scarcity mindset affect economic decisions?
  • Behavioral economics and personal finance: How to avoid common pitfalls?

>> Read more: Psychology Topics to Research

Environmental Economics Research Topics

Environmental economics investigates the interaction between economic systems and the natural environment. This subfield also offers multiple perspectives for exploration. Here are some examples of project topics on economics with emphasis on environment:

  • Examining the economic impacts of biodiversity loss.
  • Impact of environmental policies on manufacturing industries.
  • Role of renewable energy investments in economic growth.
  • Does a carbon tax impact economic competitiveness?
  • Economic analysis of water resource management.
  • How do natural disasters affect economic performance?
  • The economic value of ecosystem services.
  • Cost-effectiveness of different strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Role of environmental economics in climate change mitigation.
  • How does waste management contribute to sustainable economic growth?
  • The effects of air pollution on economic productivity.
  • What is the economic impact of deforestation?
  • Evaluation of economic tools for managing plastic waste.
  • Economics of transitioning to a circular economy.
  • How does sustainable agriculture contribute to economic development?

>> View more: Environmental Research Topics

Health Economics Research Topics

Health economics examines how health care practices affect the health outcomes of individuals and whole populations.  Take a glance at these health economics research paper topics:

  • Economic impact of pandemics on healthcare systems.
  • Role of telemedicine in healthcare cost reduction.
  • How do health insurance policies influence medical spending?
  • Economic analysis of mental health issues and treatment access.
  • The cost-effectiveness of preventative healthcare measures.
  • Evaluating the economic burden of chronic diseases.
  • Economic implications of antibiotic resistance.
  • How does socioeconomic status influence health outcomes?
  • Impact of aging populations on healthcare costs.
  • Evaluation of the economic benefits of vaccination programs.
  • The effect of medical technology advancements on healthcare costs.
  • Role of behavioral economics in health promotion and disease prevention.
  • How does health literacy influence healthcare utilization and costs?
  • Economic analysis of substance abuse treatment.
  • Evaluating the economic impacts of health policy reforms.

>> Read more: Public Health Topics for Research

Extra Research Topics for Economics

Sometimes, finding the right idea can be a challenging task. However, there are numerous resources available to help you find unique angles. Also, don't be afraid to ask your professors or research paper writer team for suggestions on the selection process. But if you don’t have enough time, we gathered some supplementary economics research topics.

Economics Essay Topics

An economics essay can cover a broad range of topics, from macroeconomic issues such as international trade and monetary policy to microeconomic aspects such as consumer behavior and market structure.

  • Can an increase in minimum wage curb poverty?
  • What are the potential economic effects of Brexit?
  • Impact of income inequality on societal cohesion.
  • How does the rise of remote work influence economic structures?
  • Examination of the economic benefits of public libraries.
  • Role of the informal economy in urban development.
  • Economic implications of increasing life expectancy.
  • How does piracy impact the music and film industry economically?
  • Impact of subsidies on agricultural economies.
  • Exploration of the economic factors influencing the housing market.
  • Analysis of the economic costs of obesity.
  • Role of child labor in global supply chains.
  • Examination of the economic implications of internet censorship.
  • Impact of single-use plastics on local and global economies.
  • Economic effects of urban green spaces.

Economics Topics for a Short Project

If you need to complete a short assignment, you may want to consider project topics in economics that can be analyzed within a limited timeframe. Don’t worry. We’ve added some simple ideas as well:

  • Examining the economic impacts of online privacy breaches.
  • Role of advertising in shaping consumer behavior.
  • Analysis of the economic effects of natural disasters.
  • Economic implications of self-driving cars.
  • Role of cooperatives in the economy.
  • Impact of e-waste on developing economies.
  • The role of micro-credit in alleviating poverty.
  • Examining the economic impacts of space exploration.
  • How do online reviews influence consumer purchasing decisions?
  • Economics of disaster recovery: Case studies.
  • Examination of the economic implications of cybercrime.
  • Impact of nutritional labeling on consumer behavior and market outcomes.
  • Economic analysis of the craft beer industry.
  • Examining the economic effects of animal agriculture.
  • How do tax incentives influence corporate behavior and economic outcomes?

Economics Research Questions

Formulating a research question is a crucial step in conducting an economics research project. A good research question should be specific, measurable, and relevant to the topic under study. Here are some economics research questions to consider:

  • How does widespread adoption of digital currencies impact traditional banking?
  • To what extent do economic factors contribute to obesity rates?
  • What are the consequences of large-scale solar power adoption?
  • How do parental leave policies shape labor markets?
  • What impacts do large-scale data breaches have on corporations?
  • Does green urban planning significantly contribute to city development?
  • How much does mental health contribute to workplace productivity?
  • What effects do fair trade agreements have on farmers in low-income countries?
  • How valuable are clean oceans for global trade?
  • How does political stability of a country influence foreign investments?
  • What are the consequences of patent wars in the tech industry?
  • How does the rise of freelancing shape labor laws?
  • What economic implications does the rise of eSports have?
  • How does nutrition education impact economic health?
  • What are some benefits and drawbacks of commercial space tourism?

Economics Research Topics for Exams

If you're preparing for an exam, it's important to have a good understanding of the concepts and theories that you'll be tested on. To help you prepare, we offer these economics research topics for exams to study:

  • Implications of autonomous vehicles on transportation.
  • Role of trade unions in contemporary job markets.
  • Analysis of gender disparities in retirement savings.
  • Influence of corporate social responsibility on brand reputation.
  • How do plant-based diets influence the global meat industry.
  • Evaluating efficiency of ride-sharing platforms.
  • Role of drones in shaping future commercial landscapes.
  • How public health initiatives influence workplace productivity.
  • Exploring the potential economic impact of asteroid mining.
  • How does fashion industry affect global economy and environmental sustainability?
  • Impact of video-on-demand services on traditional film industries.
  • Role of social entrepreneurship in poverty alleviation.
  • Role of energy-efficient appliances in electricity markets.
  • Influence of shifting demographics on global trends.
  • How does celebrity endorsement influence consumer buying behavior?

Economics Research Paper Topics for Experts

For those who are already experts in the field of economics, finding 100% original economics research topics can be an uphill struggle. But not with ideas attached below:

  • How does quantum computing pose an economic challenge to cybersecurity firms?
  • How do gene editing technologies affect agricultural markets?
  • In what ways does space commercialization affect global economies?
  • How does increased lifespan influence retirement and pension systems?
  • Financial viability of carbon capture and storage.
  • Influence of ethical consumerism on global supply chains.
  • How have nanotechnologies impacted manufacturing sectors?
  • Impact of rising sea levels on coastal economies.
  • Role of predictive analytics in preventing financial fraud.
  • Examining the economic consequences of major oil spills.
  • How does deep face technology pose an economic challenge to film industries?
  • Economic impacts of large-scale reforestation.
  • Implications of extensive antibiotic resistance.
  • Impacts of geopolitical tensions on global oil prices.
  • Universal basic income as a solution for automation-induced job loss.

Bottom Line on Economics Papers Topics

Hopefully, by now you have found a perfect economics research paper topic. Make sure you can find enough evidence to back up your points. But if you have any difficulties with the research or writing process, consider to buy coursework or any other project from academic experts.

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COMMENTS

  1. Behavioral Economics Research Paper Topics

    This list of behavioral economics research paper topics is intended to provide students and researchers with a comprehensive guide for selecting research topics in the field of behavioral economics. The importance of choosing a pertinent and engaging topic for your research paper is paramount, and this guide is designed to facilitate this crucial process.

  2. Frontiers in Behavioral Economics

    Choice Process Data in Economic Decision Making. Rosemarie Nagel. Giorgio Coricelli. Peter NC Mohr. Elena Reutskaja. Alec Smith. 8,169 views. 5 articles. Explores the role of cognitive limitations and biases in decision-making, from household economics to culture and ethics, increasing our understanding of human behavior.

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    formerly the Journal of Socio-Economics. The Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics welcomes submissions that deal with various economic topics but also involve issues that are related to other social sciences, especially psychology, or use experimental methods of inquiry. Thus, …. View full aims & scope.

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  5. Behavioral Economics

    Sendhil Mullainathan & Richard H. Thaler. Working Paper 7948. DOI 10.3386/w7948. Issue Date October 2000. Behavioral Economics is the combination of psychology and economics that investigates what happens in markets in which some of the agents display human limitations and complications. We begin with a preliminary question about relevance.

  6. PDF Principles of (Behavioral) Economics

    In this way, behavioral economics augments standard economic analysis. Behavioral eco-nomics adopts and refines the three core prin-ciples of economics: optimization, equilibrium, 2015). Both traditional and behavioral econo- and empiricism (Acemoglu, Laibson, and List mists believe that people try to choose their best feasible try to choose ...

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    The latter theories will incorporate some variables I call supposedly irrelevant factors. By adding these factors such as framing or temptation we can improve the explanatory power of economic models. If everyone includes all the factors that do determine economic behavior, then the field of behavioral economics will no longer need to exist.

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    The temporal development of these articles, research themes, and the theoretical contributions of behavioural economics theories to information-seeking behaviour research were organised and analysed. The findings are as follows: First, behavioural economics theories have been applied in information-seeking behaviour research for more than30 ...

  10. Behavioral Economics of Education: Progress and Possibilities

    Working Paper 20609. DOI 10.3386/w20609. Issue Date October 2014. Behavioral economics attempts to integrate insights from psychology, neuroscience, and sociology in order to better predict individual outcomes and develop more effective policy. While the field has been successfully applied to many areas, education has, so far, received less ...

  11. Behavioral Economics and Public Policy: A Pragmatic Perspective

    Raj Chetty, 2015. "Behavioral Economics and Public Policy: A Pragmatic Perspective," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105 (5), pages 1-33, May. citation courtesy of. Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research ...

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    Behavioral considerations hold the key to longstanding problems in economics and finance. Market imperfections such as bubbles and crashes, herd behavior, and the equity premium puzzle represent merely a few of the phenomena whose principal causes arise from the comprehensible mysteries of human perception and behavior.

  13. PDF Behavioral Economics and Health

    In this chapter, we discuss four major topic areas within Economics and Behavioral Economics: (1) reward incentives, (2) information and salience, (3) context and framing, and (4) social forces. We will address each topic area with a section of the chapter. Within each section, we will highlight some of the topic area's most influential ...

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    Behavioral Economics Peter Diamond1. What has been happening in behavioral economics, broadly interpreted, has been very exciting. And I expect the excitement to continue.2 The papers in this special issue cover a range of topics and approaches in behavioral economics, including issues of individual behavior, of the measurement of the ...

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    ERN: Behavioral Economics (Topic) Recent Top Papers (60 days) As of: 05 Jun 2023 - 04 Aug 2023 Rank Paper Downloads; 1. The Socio Political Demography of Happiness ... Social Science Comes to the Village: Assessing Behavioral Research in Developing Countries. Alexander Lee, Ved Prakash Sharma and Ajay Verghese.

  17. PDF Essays in Behavioral Economics

    Essays in Behavioral Economics Abstract Essays in this dissertation cover three topics in behavioral economics: social preferences, ambiguity aversion and self-control. The first essay, based on work with Aurelie Ouss, studies the behavior of individuals making decisions to punish norm violators. It addresses two types of questions. First,

  18. 14 Advancing the Field of Behavioral Economics

    Examples include the Behavioral Economics Design Initiative at the University of Pittsburgh, which focuses on behavioral economics and mechanism design, and the Nudge4 Lab at the University of Virginia. 1 In general, establishing stronger incentives (e.g., in the contexts of research support, journal publication, academic advancement) for ...

  19. Behavioral Economics

    I investigate medium- and long-term impacts of the Great Recession on post-recession college graduates. Most so-called "scarring" models emphasize effects of initial conditions that attenuate over the first decade of a worker's career.

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    Working Papers; Books & Chapters; Lectures; Research Spotlights; Periodicals. The Digest; ... Research; Topics; Behavioral Economics Behavioral Economics. Share. X LinkedIn Email. National Bureau of Economic Research. Contact Us 1050 Massachusetts Avenue

  21. Topics in behavioural economics

    This thesis contains three pieces of original research organised into three separate chapters. The three chapters make contributions to three different topics in Behavioural Economics and can be read independently of each other. The first chapter studies gender quotas. Gender quotas have become prevalent in many labour markets, but the environments in which they are implemented and their ...

  22. Economics Research Paper Topics: 300+ Ideas for Students

    Behavioral Economics Research Paper Topics. Behavioral economics combines insights from psychology and economics to understand how people make financial decisions. Below you can find behavioral economics research topics: Impact of cognitive biases on economic decision making. Role of emotions in consumer purchasing behavior.

  23. Topics

    In addition to working papers, the NBER disseminates affiliates' latest findings through a range of free periodicals — the NBER Reporter, the NBER Digest, the Bulletin on Retirement and Disability, the Bulletin on Health, and the Bulletin on Entrepreneurship — as well as online conference reports, video lectures, and interviews.