Are you more economic than a first grader?: A mixed methods approach in a common pool resources experiment
Date
2016-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods study is to investigate the similarities and
differences between children, lay adults, and economics experts in a common
pool resources game, thereby providing initial insight into children’s naïve
economic theories. Quantitative data is drawn from participation in an
artifactual field experiment adapted from Knapp & Murphy’s (2010) common
pool resource game. Qualitative data is drawn from semi-structured interviews.
By incorporating mixed methods within the framework of a common pool
resources game, I capture both behaviors during the game and insight into
reasons for those behaviors. I use a binary logistic model to predict participants’
choices to play the game vs. take an allocation of a resource. The sample, N=47,
consists of three purposefully selected groups: children, novice adults (no
advanced economics knowledge), and expert adults (graduate level economics
knowledge). Consistent with the literature, males are more likely to play the
game and females are more likely to take the allocation. While the literature is
mixed with respect to how children behave when compared to novice adults,
this study finds children are significantly more likely to play the game than
novice adults and equally likely to play the game as expert adults. Qualitative
data provides possible explanations for these findings. Findings have
implications for economic education curriculum design and instruction.
Description
Keywords
Economic education, Experimental economics, Naïve theories, Economic socialization
Citation
Jennings, Amanda Brooke. 2015. “Are you more economic than a first grader?: A mixed methods approach in a common pool resources experiment.” Applied Economics & Statistics Research Report, University of Delaware, RR16-08.