ECON 300

Student Responses to the Course Evaluation

 

3. What did you find to be the most difficult part of the research process?

 

-         Finding the data and applying an economic theory to an abstract idea.

-         Finding data and the literature survey.

-         The data collection! And also the data analysis.

-         Data Collection and Econometric Analysis.

-         Finding data.  Instead of finding my data first, I chose something a little less mainstream and that proved to be a hindrance to my results.

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-         Focusing on my research question and narrowing down the topic.

-         I found the most difficult, frustrating, irritating part of the research process to be finding a research question that met all of the criteria for a good research question, and all the goals of the course.

-         Creating my hypothesis and narrowing down my research question.

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-         Keeping up with the rapid pace of the course.

-         Cramming all the work at the end.

-         I didn't find any part harder than another.  The most challenging part for me was to stay on top of the work as to not get behind schedule, as it is an ongoing process.

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-         Revising and reworking the writing.

-         All of the writing and re-writing!!  I found myself getting frustrated because the end of the paper just seemed to be farther and farther away.

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-         Citations come in so many types and varieties that I never knew which one to use.  Also, finding good literature to cite for my paper required me to read a whole lot of useless information.

-         Finding the time to research and read previous studies.

 

 

4. What advice would you give next year's class about how to get the most out of this course?

 

-         I would suggest keeping up with the research and not slacking off.  Though, that could just be my problem.  Maybe have more article reviews due so that students are made to read more often and consistently?

-         Keep up with assignments!  Start early, it makes life easier come finals crunch time.

-         Try to stay ahead of schedule.  It doesn't feel like you are doing much at the beginning, but it catches up with you in the last few weeks.

-         Do not let the class stress you out.  If you complete all the assignments on time, your paper will be fine.  Also, do not take this class unless you have had econometrics!

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-         Start finding your data early on.  Don't wait to get started!!

-         Find the data first and write the first draft 2-3 weeks before it is due.

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-         Know how to use E-views!  Ask people for help if you don't, and do so very early on.  Know your data and what it says ASAP.  Don't make your question too big or it will not be testable.  Remember that you can go macro or micro; a study of a small phenomenon can apply to the big picture and visa-versa.

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-         Plan a possible topic ahead of time.

-         Spend a lot of time picking and researching what you want to do your project on.

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-         Make sure to keep on top of the paper.  It is not the type of paper that can be sloppily thrown together the night before it is due.

-         Decide on your topic early and stick with it.  A lot of time can be wasted reviewing literature that may not be used.  Also, be open to suggestions from you classmates.  Remember that the whole paper is a semester long process.

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-         Come to class and use your course pack.

-         If you read anything, read the book that Greenlaw is in the process of writing.  I found it to be a guidebook for the class.  Also, if you have any questions or need anything clarified, ask!  Keep up with the work and don't fall behind!

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-         Take Econometrics before you take 300!

-         Take Econometrics first!  Have an idea before you enter the course.  Start data matrix after first day.