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Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons

ECO 401 Economic Research

Professor Ardon

Key Words and Concepts

  • Before going online, list key words and concepts that best describe your topic.
    • It's fine to have more than one!
    • How are these terms related to each other?
      • For example, is one an independent variable? the other a dependent variable?
        • You will search for: Term 1 and Term 2 when you go into the databases.
        • This is called a "Boolean Search."

Search Example: Economic Costs of Hypertension

  • If you are unsure of your precise variables, look at existing research to get ideas.
    • This costs you just a little time.
    • It will pay off in the long run by helping you see what types of variables to consider in your project.
  • For example, suppose I want to investigate the economic costs of obesity.
  • I lay out some key words;
    • Basic terms:
      • excess weight and blood pressure
      • obesity and hypertension
      • economic costs 
  • I run a search and find some articles.
  • I read them to get ideas of how scholars have tackled this issue.
    • Sample articles:
  • Find the Interlibrary loan link on the Berry Library home page.
  • Go to the form for Journal articles.
  • Fill it out and press "send." 
  • You will need your Clipper Card number to complete the form.

Look at Research Studies in Your Field: Journals and Associations

  • Search the Library's for more health economics titles:
  • Over 70 titles are held by Berry Library. These are the first 10: