Description:

The Research SIP takes place over two quarters: Fall and Winter.  This SIP is closest to a traditional Senior thesis, where a student undertakes a major research project.  This involves a substantial amount of economic analysis-- theory, policy, or empirical analysis.

The SIP is not an ordinary report or term paper.  It is intended to be a significant piece of work, reflecting meaningful experiences and analytical research.  The SIP needs to be well written, with a meaningful thesis and strong organization.  It needs to demonstrate a clear understanding of economic principles and issues.  It needs to be well researched and to include references to academic sources.  Our expectations are shown in A Grading Rubric for SIPs .

Two credit Research SIPs can be considered for Honors in the Department.

Suggested Outline for a Research SIP
(Empirical or statistical analysis)

1. Title Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Executive Summary
4. Introduction
5. Literature Review
6. Model
7. Data description and statistical analysis
8. Conclusion
9. References
10. Data Appendix

Suggested Outline for a Research SIP
(theory or policy analysis)

1. Title Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Executive Summary
4. Introduction
5. Research Findings (often divided into several sections)
6. Conclusion
7. References
8. Appendix