Questions to Ask an Economist
Strategic questions that help you understand economic concepts, learn from economic experts, and gain insights into how economic principles apply to real-world situations and decision-making.
1What's the most important economic concept that most people don't understand?
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What's the most important economic concept that most people don't understand?
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Why this works
Reveals fundamental economic principles that are often misunderstood and helps you learn about key concepts that affect daily life and decision-making.
2How do you think about the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability?
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Why this works
Explores the complex balance between economic development and environmental protection, helping you understand how economists approach this critical issue.
3What's your view on the role of government in the economy, and where do you draw the line?
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What's your view on the role of government in the economy, and where do you draw the line?
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Why this works
Reveals their perspective on government intervention and helps you understand different economic philosophies and approaches to policy.
4How do you think about inequality, and what do you see as the most effective ways to address it?
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How do you think about inequality, and what do you see as the most effective ways to address it?
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Why this works
Explores their perspective on economic inequality and potential solutions, helping you understand different approaches to this important issue.
5What's the most interesting economic trend you're seeing right now, and why does it matter?
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What's the most interesting economic trend you're seeing right now, and why does it matter?
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Why this works
Gives you insight into current economic developments and helps you understand how economists analyze and interpret economic trends.
6How do you think about the relationship between technology and economic growth?
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How do you think about the relationship between technology and economic growth?
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Why this works
Explores the impact of technological change on the economy and helps you understand how economists analyze the effects of innovation.
7What's your perspective on the role of central banks in managing the economy?
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What's your perspective on the role of central banks in managing the economy?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of monetary policy and helps you learn about how central banks influence economic outcomes.
8How do you think about the relationship between education and economic outcomes?
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How do you think about the relationship between education and economic outcomes?
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Why this works
Explores the economic value of education and helps you understand how economists analyze the returns to human capital investment.
9What's your view on the role of international trade in economic development?
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What's your view on the role of international trade in economic development?
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Why this works
Reveals their perspective on trade policy and helps you understand how economists think about the benefits and costs of international trade.
10How do you think about the relationship between economic policy and social outcomes?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic policy and social outcomes?
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Why this works
Explores the social implications of economic policy and helps you understand how economists analyze the broader effects of economic decisions.
11What's the most surprising economic insight you've gained from your research?
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What's the most surprising economic insight you've gained from your research?
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Why this works
Reveals unexpected findings from their work and helps you understand how economic research can challenge conventional wisdom.
12How do you think about the relationship between economic incentives and human behavior?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic incentives and human behavior?
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Why this works
Explores the psychological aspects of economic decision-making and helps you understand how economists analyze human behavior.
13What's your perspective on the role of financial markets in the economy?
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What's your perspective on the role of financial markets in the economy?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of financial markets and helps you learn about how economists analyze the role of finance in economic development.
14How do you think about the relationship between economic development and political stability?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic development and political stability?
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Why this works
Explores the political economy of development and helps you understand how economists analyze the relationship between economics and politics.
15What's your view on the role of economic forecasting, and how accurate do you think it can be?
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What's your view on the role of economic forecasting, and how accurate do you think it can be?
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Why this works
Reveals their perspective on economic prediction and helps you understand the limitations and challenges of economic forecasting.
16How do you think about the relationship between economic growth and quality of life?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic growth and quality of life?
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Why this works
Explores the connection between economic development and wellbeing and helps you understand how economists measure and analyze quality of life.
17What's your perspective on the role of economic history in understanding current issues?
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What's your perspective on the role of economic history in understanding current issues?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to learning from past economic events and helps you understand how economists use historical analysis.
18How do you think about the relationship between economic policy and innovation?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic policy and innovation?
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Why this works
Explores the impact of policy on innovation and helps you understand how economists analyze the factors that drive technological progress.
19What's the most important economic lesson you've learned from studying different countries?
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What's the most important economic lesson you've learned from studying different countries?
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Why this works
Reveals insights from comparative economic analysis and helps you understand how economists learn from international comparisons.
20How do you think about the relationship between economic research and policy-making?
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How do you think about the relationship between economic research and policy-making?
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Why this works
Explores the connection between academic research and practical policy and helps you understand how economists contribute to policy debates.
How to Learn from Economic Experts
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Ask About Fundamental Concepts
Focus on questions that help you understand basic economic principles and how they apply to real-world situations.
Explore Current Issues
Ask about current economic trends and issues to understand how economists analyze and interpret contemporary economic developments.
Understand Different Perspectives
Ask questions that reveal different economic viewpoints and help you understand the diversity of economic thought.
Question Sequences
The Fundamental Concepts Sequence
The Current Issues Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask for Investment Advice
Focus on learning economic concepts rather than asking for specific investment recommendations or financial advice.
Don't Assume One Right Answer
Understand that economics often involves multiple perspectives and that economists may disagree on important issues.
Don't Ignore Context
Ask questions that help you understand the context and assumptions behind economic theories and recommendations.