Research Toolkit

Conducting research is an exciting process because you have an opportunity to build upon your previous knowledge and create something new. Building something new usually requires tools, and the type of tools that are most useful depends on what it is that you are constructing. Creating new knowledge in economics typically uses some of the following tools: an economic model to simplify reality and understand the relationships between economic variables, a set of data to understand what is happening in the "real world;" graphs or more sophisticated analysis of the real world data; and a method of organizing your ideas as you conduct your research.

This research toolkit is intended to provide some of the essential tools that novice researchers use as they "do economics." Use the links in Economic Data to explore the huge volume of data that is available on the Web. When you find a data series that interests you, download it to an Excel spreadsheet. Watch the short Excel movie clips to see a demonstration of how to construct a graph or how to use other Excel features. Visit the DiMenna-Nyselius Library to access the scholarly literature or enlist the help of a reference librarian. Throughout the research process, organize your thoughts and understand how your ideas are connected by using concept mapping software.

For an in-depth guide to carrying out economic research, please refer to Greenlaw's (2006) book:
Greenlaw, Steven A. 2006. Doing Economics: A Guide to Understanding and Carrying Out Economic Research. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company