Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Rising Fastball Velocities On Injuries And Hbp In Mlb, William Campbell

Economics Theses

This paper analyzes the literature surrounding the relationship between MLB pitcher velocity, pitcher injury time, and hit batsmen which indicates that pitcher velocity is likely the cause for higher injury rates and an increase in batters hit. Two linear regression models were used to examine both of these relationships. The data set included average pitcher fastball velocity, number of pitches, time injured, and the number of hit batters for pitchers who threw more than one hundred fastballs in any year between 2015-2022. The first regression found no significance between velocity and time injured however the relationship was positive. The second …

How Has The Foreign Substance Ban Implemented By The Mlb Affected Mlb Pitcher Spin Rate And Opponent Batting Statistics In 2021? Was It Effective?, Jack Mccullar

Economics Theses

This study analyzes the effects of the MLB foreign substance ban on pitcher spin rates and batting averages with different pitches. During the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 MLB seasons, pitchers throughout the league were accused of putting pine tar, Spider Tack, and other banned substances onto baseballs in order to create an artificially high spin rate. A higher spin rate makes hitting much harder and batters tend to strike out much more often. These factors contributed to a reduction in runs scored per game and generated frustrated fans. Consequently, the MLB implemented a substance ban in 2021 over concern that interest …

Racing The Machine: Automation-Induced Inequality Through The Lens Of The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Evelyn Martin

Economics Theses

This paper analyzes the scope and velocity of automation-induced inequality as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We find that, when left unchecked by intentional government policy, the direct impacts of inequality will affect virtually all demographic groups and occupational skill levels, as well as, be hastened by future recessions and noticeable skill biases. We find that unconditional cash transfers in the form of a universal basic income have the potential to address the aforementioned scope and velocity due to their cash transfer modality and universal qualities. As we are living through the start of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, …

Understanding Without Explanation? A Philosophical Inquiry Into The Explanation Paradox Of Economic Models, Eric Haupt

Economics Theses

Conventional economic modeling is frequently criticized for being “unrealistic” due to the variety of unrealistic assumptions that underpin many models. Critics frequently wonder how models that are unrealistic or false can accurately explain economic phenomena. This criticism and the problem it presents for economics is captured by Julian Reiss’s “explanation paradox.” This paper aims to evaluate Reiss’s paradox and assess the problems it poses for economics as a positive science. To address this problem, I survey a variety of competing strategies offered by philosophers and economists before critically evaluating the validity of the paradox. I conclude that while economic models …

Understanding Philanthropy And Inequality In The United States Through Probabilistic Regressions, Drew Evans

Economics Theses

This paper seeks to analyze and understand the dynamics between charitable donations and income inequality in the United States. Through the theoretical lens of financialization and income inequality, we analyze data from the Panel Survey of Income Dynamics. We utilize probabilistic regression models to find and compare the impact of demographics on the likelihood of an American household donating to charity. Our results show that age, sex, and income have positive impacts on donation likelihoods, while non-white racial groups can be seen having a lower probability of donation. Analyzing household data from lower-income groups allows for a recognizing of the …

Applying Analytics To The Nfl Draft: Athletic Performance Measures As A Predictor Of Future Success, Owen Brower

Economics Theses

Can an athlete’s National Football League’s (NFL) Scouting Combine measurements be used to predict their future success in the League? In this analysis, I use historical combine data to create a grading system that measures a player’s athleticism, regressed upon the player’s rookie year Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade to determine the extent to which athleticism can help NFL franchises better predict the outcomes of their draft picks.

Failed Policy As Seen In The Solar Trade War, Emma Weirich

Economics Theses

Increasing protectionist policies in the United States have attempted to protect solar manufacturing jobs; however, they have created negative repercussions for the majority of the industry. This paper aims to analyze the 2018 30% US tariff on all imported photovoltaic cells and modules and whether or not it has been an effective policy to protect and encourage the solar industry. To do so, the paper will analyze similar tariffs enacted in 2012 and 2014 by the United States to understand how the tariffs have been impacting the solar energy’s labor market and photovoltaic module and cell price fluctuations. By researching …

The Proximity Effect Of The Seattle Link Public Light Rail On King County Properties, Graham Byron

Economics Theses

Seattle has experienced an explosive rise in population in the last decade and there is no sign of this slowing down. There is a wealth of literature surrounding the way in which public transportation has an effect on the surrounding housing values however no hedonic study has been done on public transportation in the Seattle area. This study responds to the lack of analysis done on the effect that public transportation has in King County.

We use a difference-in-differences and hedonic model to test the effect that the LINK light rail has on houses within a one-mile radius, particularly at …

Well-Rounded: A Case For The Preservation Of The Mid-Level Liberal Arts College, Matt Hicks

Economics Theses

Mid-level liberal arts colleges are failing, both to remain financially solvent and uphold their institutional missions. This paper examines the higher education marketplace before exploring the current strategies these colleges utilize to combat this two-fold issue. Following a review of the literature, the analysis portion presents two novel solutions these colleges could implement to improve student accessibility and stave off financial insolvency. Additionally, this section describes how mid-level liberal arts colleges offer superior return on investment in the long run compared to public universities. Lastly, this paper concludes by reasserting the value of a liberal arts education in the workplace …

Quantitative Easing And Inequality: Qe Impacts On Wealth And Income Distribution In The United States After The Great Recession, Emily Davis

Economics Theses

In response to Great Recession, the Federal Reserve implemented quantitative easing. Quantitative easing (QE) aided stabilization of the economy and reduction of the liquidity trap. This research evaluates the correlation between QE implementation and increased inequality through the recovery of the Great Recession. The paper begins with an evaluation of the literature focused on QE impacts on financial markets, wages, and debt. Then, the paper conducts an analysis of QE impacts on income, household wealth, corporations and the housing market. The analysis found that the changes in wealth distribution had a significant impact on increasing inequality. Changes in wages were …

French Economic Stagnation, Karina Vasavada

Economics Theses

This analysis explores the reasons behind French economic stagnation and discusses why this stagnant state is seemingly irrevocable. Based on a detailed look at the economic regime changes, market restructuring, and the resultant policy direction changes in France starting post-World War II, I contend that the reason for France’s current economic stagnation was their decision to join the EU, resulting in the shift away from dirigisme, a government interventionist economic approach, and toward a market oriented economy. While this assertion goes against the prevalent economic assumption that the market can efficiently govern itself, given the trajectory of the French …

Inequality, Employment, And Migration In Oregon: A Regression-Based Decomposition, Justin Hooker

Economics Theses

This research looks trends in employment by industry in the state of Oregon from 1990 to 2010. The goal is to empirically evaluate the hypothesis that relative declines in manufacturing and natural resource employment combined with a rise in service employment has contributed to increased income inequality, as well as look at the role of migration and differences in urban and rural counties. Empirical results show that manufacturing most notably has a significant negative effect, as do federal government employment, trade, transport and utilities employment, and financial activities employment. No evidence for a link to migration or a significant difference …

The Social And Economic Consequences Of Gendered Toys In America, Cydne Pope

Economics Theses

Toys in the American marketplace are heavily gender stereotyped, creating a variety of social and economic consequences. Beginning at an early age, children foster different cognitive abilities based on play with toys deemed appropriate for their gender. While boys’ toys promote skills in math and science fields, girls’ toys promote verbal and linguistic skills. This difference in cognitive ability has shown to influence a child throughout his or her lifetime, beginning with the education gap in schools and continuing on to influence a child’s choice in college major as well as his or her future occupational choice. Additionally, gender specific …

From Communism To The European Union: A Case Study Of Agricultural And Economic Development In Poland, Samantha Anuszewska Anders

Economics Theses

This paper explores the Poland’s agricultural value added per worker as an indicator of economic success post-Soviet era and into its transition to the European Union. Holding GDP and other factors constant, our model shows that Poland’s value added per worker is superior to most other countries in Europe. This success is attributed to Poland’s private agricultural system, which was retained despite Soviet influence. We further conclude that countries that produce a high quantity of potatoes and rye, Poland’s top crops, on average have lower value added per worker.

Negative Implications: The Subsidization Of Sports Stadiums And The Perspective Of Seattle Arena, Russell Ridenour

Economics Theses

This paper adds to the literature on the subsidization of professional sports arenas. Rather than focusing on subsidization and the effect of sports arenas on a national scale, this paper focuses exclusively on the plans for Seattle Arena in Seattle’s SoDo District. I delve into the economic impact analysis paper for Seattle Arena in order to provide evidence that the negatives of building this arena outweigh its positives especially from a financial standpoint. This is done in conjunction with the analysis of the Traditional Lease Purchase Financing model (T-LPF) which is the most widely used arena lease purchase agreement used …

Understanding India’S Green Revolution: A Case Study For Contemporary Agrarian Reform, Nick Tucker

Economics Theses

Faced with large-scale food insecurity in the mid-twentieth century, India adopted innovative agricultural technologies as part of the Green Revolution. While these technologies expanded agricultural productivity, this paper argues that the program was a disruptive force to Indian social, economic, and political systems, specifically in the rural setting. An analysis of outcomes of the Green Revolution reveals that inadequate attention was given to India’s unique colonial history as well as to the regional differences, both ecological and socioeconomic, found within the country. Advocating for a holistic approach to global development, this paper offers a framework of policy recommendations aimed at …

Honey Bees’ Impact On The U.S. Economy, James T. Chisel

Economics Theses

Since Colony Collapse Disorder became front-page news in 2006, popular literature ranging from news articles to White House documents has cited the value that honey bees provide. These numbers in articles often are inconsistent and rarely cite the origin of the stated value. This paper examines the major studies on the economic impact that honey bees have in the United States. Then it discusses the existing errors in these studies’ methodologies and offers a preliminary model that incorporates the full economic effects of honey bees. It then offers some policy suggestions in order to better address the needs of honey …

Promoting Renewable Energy Generation In The United States: The Debate Over Renewable Portfolio Standards, Joe Cerne

Economics Theses

Incentivizing renewable energy growth in the 21^st century is, and will continue to be, a highly debated topic. As of late, legislative initiatives have prompted the enactment of various renewable portfolio standards aimed at stimulating renewable energy growth. Using data regarding each state’s energy production, this paper finds that there is no significant change in renewable energy output following the initiation of a renewable portfolio standard. We conclude that renewable energy growth is virtually unaffected by renewable portfolio standards and as such, we agree with much of the literature implying other means are necessary in order to adequately shift …

Reducing Global Carbon: Creating An American Policy, Cameron Otsuka

Economics Theses

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) first assessment report, released in 1990, calculated that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions had been responsible for more than half of the greenhouse gas effect. As of 2006, the United States, China, and European Union (EU) consume 56% of global CO2 emissions (Brinkley & Less, 2010). Figure 1, below, shows that CO2 levels have continued to rise at basically the same rate since before the 1960s (Tans & Keeling). 23 years later, on September 27, 2013, the IPCC released its fifth assessment report, concluding that climate change is the result of human …

An Empirical Exploration Of The Effects Of Natural Gas Prices On Solar Energy Growth, Jeffrey Walton

Economics Theses

This paper analyzes the relationship between natural gas prices and solar installation in the past ten years. The point is to explain how the fluctuations in natural gas prices have effected solar installation. Briefly, natural gas prices from three to five years ago have a positive coefficient on solar installation in the current period, meaning that as the natural gas price three to five years ago increases, solar installation today increases. In course of the analysis, we find that the Goldilocks theory holds true and a natural gas price range from $4 to $6 leads to the highest level of …

Crowdfunding: An Empirical And Theoretical Model Of Non-Profit Support, Andy Read

Economics Theses

Crowdsourcing, the umbrella term that includes crowdfunding, was introduced as a method to generate solutions for corporate improvement by accessing the ideas of the ‘crowd’. Similarly, crowdfunding uses the crowd, but focuses on the ability to use a large quantity of individuals to generate capital needed to fund a variety of projects/organizations/businesses/ect. Since the innovation of general web-based crowdfunding began in 2008, crowdfunding platforms have expanded from the small-scale to truly massive enterprises that have seen incredible annual growth. This has paralleled the crowdfunding platforms shift from a niche idea to a mainstream funding solution.

However, despite all the hype …

Choices In An Interdependent Economic Environment: Inequity Aversion And Bargaining Games, Andy Galbraith

Economics Theses

Experimental economics has revealed an underlying tension between preferences for fairness and the purely self-interested behavior assumed throughout economic theory. Though many models attempt to explain observed behavior that is inconsistent with theory, the motivations behind such deviations from theoretic equilibrium are still largely unknown.

This paper investigates preferences for fairness in a controlled laboratory setting using an ultimatum game variant. Payoffs to participants are altered over several treatments to examine if subjects exhibit behavior that is consistent with a preference model which incorporates envy and guilt into an individual’s utility function. The results indicate evidence of both guilt and …

Examining Eurozone Divergence, Charles Noble

Economics Theses

This paper provides a brief history of European integration followed by an examination of the Eurozone financial crisis and the economic divergence among particular economies (Germany compared with Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Ireland) it induced. Afterwards a list of structural and policy reforms meant to achieve economic convergence is provided. The paper concludes that in order for the Eurozone to achieve economic convergence, it would be best if Greece and Portugal exited the monetary union. The smaller, more homogeneous union could then more readily achieve economic convergence to function, both politically and economically, as a sustainable monetary union.

An Empirical Exploration Of The Effects Of Medical Marijuana Laws, Ben Ehrens

Economics Theses

This exploration into the multiple effects of medical marijuana laws on regional marketplaces uses a novel data set and contributes three unique and important findings. First, in states with medical marijuana legislation the price of marijuana is significantly lower than states without similar legislation, this is likely due to measures that allow for legalized avenues of production and distribution. Secondly, because of price breaks for bulk purchases, retail level distributers operate on a downward sloping supply curve that is less steep in medical marijuana states; this is likely due to decreased risk of distribution which may reduce preference for lower …

Examining Growth: Religious Motivation And Megachurch Behavior, Kevin Bohm

Economics Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Governance And Club Structure Has On A Team’S Spending Power: A Case Study On The German Bundesliga, J. Marcus Rudd

Economics Theses

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat For Humanity On Neighborhood Property Values, Hope Shaffer

Economics Theses

This paper attempts to quantify the impact of Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity on Pierce County, WA by looking at changes in the sale prices of residential properties in the neighborhoods in which Habitat for Humanity builds. Changes in price that occur for property sales located within 1000 feet of the Habitat for Humanity properties were compared with the magnitude for price changes int he rest of the census tract. This method controls for unobservable aspects of the neighborhoods that would impact housing values. This study does not provide any statistically significant evidence that supports the claim that Tacoma/Pierce county …

The Efficient Land Trust: Considering Privately Accruing Nonmarket Values Of Conservation Easements, Ian Libby

Economics Theses

No abstract provided.

The Economic Viability Of The L3c Business Entity, Jackson Simon

Economics Theses

No abstract provided.

Convergence Into Emergence: Hybrid Entrepreneurship, Christopher Luich

Economics Theses

No abstract provided.