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Does more calculus improve student learning in intermediate micro- and macroeconomic theory?

Author

Listed:
  • J. S. Butler

    (Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA)

  • T. Aldrich Finegan

    (Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA)

  • John J. Siegfried

    (Department of Economics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA)

Abstract

Using a selection bias correction model with ordered probit, we estimate how a second semester of calculus affects students' grades in intermediate economic theory. Selection bias correction is needed because similar aptitudes and interests often lead students to enroll and do well in both mathematics and economics. A sample of students enrolled in 49 classes of intermediate micro and 41 classes of intermediate macro is used to estimate the model. The results show a predicted payoff from a second semester of calculus of about one whole letter grade in intermediate micro, but no payoff in intermediate macro. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • J. S. Butler & T. Aldrich Finegan & John J. Siegfried, 1998. "Does more calculus improve student learning in intermediate micro- and macroeconomic theory?," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(2), pages 185-202.
    • Handle: RePEc:jae:japmet:v:13:y:1998:i:2:p:185-202
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    Cited by:

    1. Wan-Ju Iris Franz, 2007. "Grade Inflation under the Threat of Students' Nuisance: Theory and Evidence," Working Papers 070806, University of California-Irvine, Department of Economics.
    2. Gebhard Kirchgässner, 2011. "Kaderschmieden der Wirtschaft und/oder Universitäten? Der Auftrag der Wirtschaftsuniversitäten und –fakultäten im 21. Jahrhundert," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 12(3), pages 317-337, August.
    3. Lin, Tin-Chun, 2024. "Can instruction in consumer choice theory in introduction to microeconomics benefit student learning in upper-level economics courses? The example of public finance," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 46(C).
    4. William H. Greene & David A. Hensher, 2008. "Modeling Ordered Choices: A Primer and Recent Developments," Working Papers 08-26, New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics.
    5. Johan N. M. Lagerlöf & Andrew J. Seltzer, 2009. "The Effects of Remedial Mathematics on the Learning of Economics: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(2), pages 115-137, April.
    6. Peter W. Schuhmann & KimMarie McGoldrick & Robert T. Burrus, 2005. "Student Quantitative Literacy: Importance, Measurement, and Correlation with Economic Literacy," The American Economist, Sage Publications, vol. 49(1), pages 49-65, March.
    7. William Greene, 2007. "Discrete Choice Modeling," Working Papers 07-6, New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics.
    8. Mary Ellen Benedict & John Hoag, 2011. "Factors Influencing Performance in Economics: Graphs and Quantitative Usage," Chapters, in: Gail M. Hoyt & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), International Handbook on Teaching and Learning Economics, chapter 31, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    9. Sam Allgood & William B. Walstad & John J. Siegfried, 2015. "Research on Teaching Economics to Undergraduates," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 53(2), pages 285-325, June.
    10. Ann L. Owen, 2011. "Student Characteristics, Behavior, and Performance in Economics Classes," Chapters, in: Gail M. Hoyt & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), International Handbook on Teaching and Learning Economics, chapter 32, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    11. Mingliang Li & Justin L. Tobias, 2006. "Calculus attainment and grades received in intermediate economic theory," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(6), pages 893-896, September.
    12. William Greene, 2014. "Models for ordered choices," Chapters, in: Stephane Hess & Andrew Daly (ed.), Handbook of Choice Modelling, chapter 15, pages 333-362, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    13. Jeffrey J. Green & Courtenay C. Stone & Abera Zegeye & Thomas A. Charles, 2007. "Changes in Math Prerequisites and Student Performance in Business Statistics: Do Math Prerequisites Really Matter?," Working Papers 200704, Ball State University, Department of Economics, revised Jul 2007.
    14. Frank Raymond & Anne Raymond & Myra McCrickard, 2008. "Stuck Behind the Math: Just How Helpful Can One Expect Technology to be in the Economics Classroom?," International Review of Economic Education, Economics Network, University of Bristol, vol. 7(1), pages 62-102.
    15. Iris Franz, Wan-Ju, 2010. "Grade inflation under the threat of students' nuisance: Theory and evidence," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 411-422, June.
    16. Mallik, Girijasankar & Shankar, Sriram, 2016. "Does prior knowledge of economics and higher level mathematics improve student learning in principles of economics?," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 66-73.

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