Term paper – Economics of Human Behavior

Description

Term Paper Instructions • Read the introduction and then choose ONE chapter from Thinking Like a Freak by Stephen D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner • Write a 1500-word essay on the chapter you choose  • (word-count does not include bibliography) • Summarize the chapter you chose in your own words (1/3 of paper). • Discuss the main economic concepts that you find as they are set out in  Chapter 1 of The New World of Economics (2/3 of paper). Term Paper Sources • While the writing of the paper is primarily analytical, you can choose to consult secondary sources, but it is not necessary. • The paper can have references (in text/footnotes/endnotes) and must have a bibliography. • If you only use Think Like a Freak and The New World of Economics, these would be the only sources in the bibliography. • If you use other sources, then also include these in the bibliography. • Do not use Wikipedia as a bibliographic source Term Paper Formatting • You are required to have page numbers in your in text/ footnotes/endnotes references. • Your references/bibliography can use either of the two main methods of citation: • The American Psychological Association (APA) format, or • The Modern Language Association (MLA) format. • Your paper must be typed, double spaced and have a title page clearly  stating which chapter of Think Like a Freak you chose. Term Paper Breakdown (approximate) • Introduction (150 words): context, thesis, outline. • Summary of the chapter (400 words). • Main economic concepts and how they relate to aspects of the summary (800 words). • Conclusion (150 words): Summary of analysis and final thought. Main Text • There are two components to this paper Summarize the chapter you chose in your own words Discuss the main economic concepts that you find as they are set out in Chapter 1 of The New World of Economics • These two components must fit together in a coherent way that the reader can follow easily Your introduction can help by providing a clear outline Good paragraph structure can also help with this Paragraphs: One Idea • WHAT (The Point)    – The main idea to be discussed (best introduced in a topic sentence, the introductory sentence to your paragraph).    – 1-2 sentences • HOW (The Proof)    – The evidence used to substantiate the point or back up the argument: examples, appropriate reference material, etc.    – 2-4 sentences • WHY (The Comment)    – Commentary outlining the significance of the preceding material.     – Your explanation of how and why these ideas fit together: relationships, contrasts, conclusions, etc.    – 2-4 sentences Conclusion • Your conclusion sums up your argument, but just as important, it offers an opportunity to raise new questions suggested by your research. • You can build your conclusions around the same elements as your introduction, only in reverse order. • Restate your claim    -Original Claim (Introduction): It appears that non experts judge risk by visualizing worst case scenarios, then assessing how frightening the image is.    -Restated Claim (Conclusion): Ordinary people make decisions about risk not on a rational or quantifiable basis but on the basis of at least six psychological factors that not only involve emotion but systematically draw on the power of visual imagination. • After restating your claim remind your readers of its significance, or better, state a new significance or practical application. • If possible, suggest further research based on questions that follow from your research that are not yet answered.