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ECOS3997: Topics in Public Economics
Essay Prompt for Week 5 tutorial
Analyzing an Economics Research Paper: A Critical Evaluation

The Employment Effects of a Guaranteed Income:
Experimental Evidence from Two U.S. States

Eva Vivalt, Elizabeth Rhodes, Alexander W. Bartik, David E. Broockman,
Patrick Krause & Sarah Miller
NBER Working Paper No. 32719, July 2024
Download link: https://www.nber.org/papers/w32719

This essay assignment requires you to read and critically analyze the provided economics
research paper. The goal is to engage with the research, evaluate its methodologies, and
assess its contributions to the field of economics. You will demonstrate your ability to
comprehend complex economic concepts, critique research methods, and reflect on the
paper's implications.
Essay Requirements:
• Length: 500 words
• Format: Type into the Canvas textbox.
• Citations: Use APA or MLA format for any references or quotations.
• Deadline: End of your Week 5 Tutorial session.
Instructions:
1. Read the Provided Paper:
o Thoroughly read the provided research paper, focusing on the introduction,
literature review, methodology, findings, and conclusion.
o Identify the research question, hypothesis, and objectives of the study.
o Pay attention to the data, models, and techniques used to conduct the research.
2. Analyze Key Aspects:
o Methodology: Examine the research design, data collection methods, and
analytical techniques. Consider their appropriateness and any limitations.
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o Findings and Interpretation: Assess the main findings and conclusions. Are they
well-supported by the evidence? How do they contribute to the field of
economics?
o Implications: Discuss the broader implications of the research. How might it
inform policy, practice, or future research?
o Critique: Offer a critical evaluation of the paper's strengths and weaknesses.
Consider any biases, assumptions, or gaps in the study.
3. Suggested Essay Structure:
• Introduction (Approx. 100 words):
o Introduce the research paper, providing the title, author(s), and publication
details.
o State the main focus of your essay, highlighting the aspects you will analyze and
critique.
o Present a thesis statement that outlines your overall assessment of the paper.
• Summary of the Research (Approx. 150 words):
o Summarize the research question, hypothesis, and objectives of the study.
o Describe the methodology used, including data collection, analysis, and any
models or theories applied.
o Highlight the key findings and conclusions of the research.
• Critical Analysis (Approx. 150 words):
o Critique the research methodology, discussing its strengths and limitations.
o Evaluate the findings, considering their validity and significance.
o Discuss the implications of the research, identifying any potential impacts on
economic policy or practice.
o Reflect on how the research aligns with or challenges existing theories or
literature.
• Personal Reflection (Approx. 100 words):
o Share your personal thoughts on the paper, including its significance and
relevance to your studies.
o Consider what you learned from the research and any new insights it provided.
o Reflect on how this paper might influence your understanding of economics or
future studies.
• Conclusion (Approx. 50 words):
o Summarize the main points discussed in your essay.
o Offer a final reflection on the importance of engaging with economic research
and its role in shaping economic thought and policy.
4. Submission:
o Submit your essay via Canvas by the deadline.
o Ensure that your essay is proofread and free from grammatical and spelling
errors.


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5. Marking Rubric
Points (Total: 10) 5 4 3 2 1
Knowledge of topic
(5 points)
Student shows
advanced knowledge
the economic topic
taught in their stream,
and has new and novel
insights.
Student shows
advanced knowledge
the economic topic
taught in their stream,
and is working towards
new and novel insights.
Student shows good
knowledge of the
economic topic taught
in their stream.
Information conveyed
to audience is correct
and informative.
Student shows
acceptable knowledge
of the economic topic
taught in their stream.
Information
conveyed to audience
is correct.
Student does not show
evidence of having
engaged with the
economic topic taught in
their stream.
Information
conveyed to audience is
incorrect or confusing.
Communication
(5 points)
Extremely clear
structure and logical
development of ideas.
Prose is engaging and
easy to read.
Clear structure and
logical development of
ideas. Few spelling and
grammatical errors.
Good structure and
generally logical
development of ideas.
Some errors in spelling
or grammar present.
Deficiencies in
structure and/or
development of ideas.
Some errors in spelling
or grammar present.
Unclear structure and
confusing development
of ideas. Grammar
and/or spelling
significantly impede
communication of
content.


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