Economics Commons^™

Determinants Of Free Throw Performance: An Empirical Analysis Of Game Context And Pressure, David Colantuoni

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper analyzes the determinants of free-throw success using a panel data set of free throws taken from the years 2015-2016. Prior research has emphasized performance in high-pressure moments, while my study aims to evaluate a broader range of situational and contextual factors that influence free-throw outcomes. Specifically, I estimate the effect of time remaining, score margin, game period, home status, playoff intensity, shot order, and player-specific characteristics on the probability of a free throw. Additionally, a clutch indicator is included to assess whether performance systematically changes in highleverage situations, clutch being defined as the last five minutes of the …

Empirical Research Paper: The Commodity Markets’ Role On Gross Domestic Product In The United States, Fabian Cuprys

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper discusses whether the commodity market has descriptive information for short term Gross Domestic Product within the United States. Using quarterly Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), the model uses distributed log changes in commodity prices such as energy, food, and industrial inputs alongside logged and market-based expectations for GDP. The model evaluates how fluctuations in broad commodity markets (such as the Broad Commodity Index, Food Commodity Index, Metal Commodity Index, and Energy Commodity Index) influence GDP.

Florida Housing Markets Price Reversal: A Comparative Analysis Of The Florida Insurance Crisis And Housing Market Decoupling (2022-2025), David Antonetti

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This research investigates the 2022-2025 Insurance Crisis in Florida as a localized shock to the housing market. While national home prices typically track federal interest rate trends, this study utilizes a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) framework, using Georgia as a control benchmark, to quantify the extent to which skyrocketing property insurance premiums have decoupled Florida's home price appreciation from the national mortgage rate environment. The paper finds that despite the separation in premiums did not have a significant impact on the change in HPI in the Florida housing markets, but did represent a simmer risk. This paper also uses the key factors …

Public Government Spending And Economic Growth In Latin America And The Caribbean, Kate Desousa

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates how government public spending impacts economic growth among multiple Latin American and Caribbean countries of varying developments since the 1990’s. The study incorporates variables including GDP per capita and general government final consumption expenditure to analyze their contributions to the economy. Data was collected from the World Bank Group. Previous empirical studies have looked at developed countries including multiple variables, while this study has a focus on economies of varying sizes and investigates government public spendings independently. This study will add to existing literature by inspecting public spending from a micro view at the public government spending …

Who Hunts In America?: An Empirical Analysis Of Income Trends And The Rural-Urban Divide In Hunting Participation, Kenneth Green

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper conducts an empirical analysis of hunting participation in the United States, focusing on the relationship between household income, geographic location, and gender. Using nationally available data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation and the Big-Game Hunters: Demographic Characteristics and Expenditures addendum report, this study looks to examine how hunting behavior differs between rural/urban populations and identifies income-based trends within both groups. Hunting participation data is compared against U.S. Census data to assess whether the share of hunters aligns with the broader population distributions. Both descriptive statistics and regression …

A Panel Data Study Of Economic Development And Carbon Emissions Vs. Level Of Green Investment, Connor Lavoie

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This study examined the relationship between economic development and carbon dioxide emissions across 15 emerging nations from 2000 to 2024, employing a fixed effects panel data set within the STIRPAT framework, then verified the legitimacy of the result via a 5-model sequential test. The findings confirm that all 15 sampled nations remain on the upward slope of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), with GDP per capita, population, and energy intensity emerging as the three dominant drivers of emissions growth.

Determinants Of Us Housing Prices And Its Changing Market: A Panel Data Study, Timothy Jennings

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines the effects that different factors have on prices in the housing market between both rental and total purchase of housing units over the last thirty (30) years. The study uses time series government data with time periods to analyze both major determinants of a current housing unit’s price, rental prices, as well as reasons for changes in prices of those retail/rental units over time. For simplicity purposes, all major analysis is limited to the United States’ housing markets, although inferences and conclusions may be made regarding other countries as well for comparison, especially through literature review. Results …

Student Flows, Immigrant Stock, And Migration: An Empirical Analysis Of Brain Drain From Oecd Countries Into The Us, Tyler Nelson

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper uses panel data from seventy-eight origin countries from 2012-2023 to better understand the migration patterns of well-educated individuals on a global scale. The study adopts a model from Dreher and Poutvaara that allows international student data to be translated into a linear utility function for any given emigration target. Due to data transparency concerns, these emigration targets have been limited to countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Does Rising National Income Reduce Physical Inactivity, Or Does The Prosperity Paradox Persist? A Panel Data Analysis, Jt Heffernan

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines the relationship between national income and physical inactivity across nine countries at varying stages of economic development using a panel dataset spanning four time periods from 2001 to 2022. Drawing on age-standardized physical inactivity estimates from the World Health Organization and GDP per capita data from the World Bank world development indicators, three regression models are estimated: a pooled ordinary least squares model, a random effect model, and a two-way fixed-effects panel model incorporating country and year fixed effects. OLS was included to set a baseline on what to expect, while the panel models were intended to …

A Causal Analysis Between Brent Oil Prices And Economic Growth In Saudi Arabia, Nicholas Hyland

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper aims to examine the predictive relationship between oil prices and economic growth in Saudi Arabia. Given the country’s heavy dependence on oil rents as a percentage of their GDP, we will see how fluctuations in oil prices can heavily shape and influence economic performance. Although oil revenues have proven to be a driver of short-term economic growth, it is important to understand the “Oil Curse Theory” which highlights the risks that can be associated with slowed long-term economic growth. Using time series data on real GDP growth and Brent crude oil prices, this paper will contain a predictive …

The Impact Of Foreign Direct Investment On Economic Growth In Eastern Europe: A Panel Data Analysis Evidence Of Consumer Expenditure, Tyler Jarvis

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This research investigates whether foreign direct investment (FDI) translates into improved economic outcomes for citizens of Eastern European countries, as measured by household consumer expenditure trends from 1996 to 2025. Building upon the FDI stock and flow model developed by Kilmek (2024), this research replaces domestic value added (DVA) with consumer expenditure (CS) as the dependent variable and employs a two-way fixed effects panel model across 13 countries. The results indicate that FDI flows and FDI as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) have no statistically significant direct effect on consumer expenditure across any of the seven models tested. …

The Impact Of Urbanization On Life Expectancy In Asean Countries: A Panel Data Analysis, Ethan Kalmin

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the relationship between urbanization and life expectancy in ASEAN countries using a panel data analysis over the period 2001-2023. The study includes fixed-effects and robustness checks to estimate the impact of urbanization— along with a series of control variables such as health expenditure per capita, access to basic sanitation services, government education expenditure per capita, and fertility rate— on life expectancy at birth. The results show that urbanization alone does not explain within-country changes in life expectancy over time. Rather, education expenditure and access to basic sanitation services emerge as the most significant and robust determinants of …

Effects Of Healthcare Quality On Labor Productivity: An Empirical Analysis Employing Panel Data, Theodore Lanzaro

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines whether the Affordable Care Act’s restructuring of Medicare Advantage affected labor productivity in the United States. Using a state-level panel from 2007 to 2024, it estimates a difference-in-differences model that interacts with each state’s 2010 Medicare Advantage share with a post-reform indicator. Across baseline, controlled, and trendadjusted specifications, as well as event-study and robustness checks, the results show no statistically robust effect on state-level labor productivity. Any productivity spillovers from Medicare Advantage reform are too small, diffuse, or delayed to be detected in aggregate statelevel data.

Government Revenue And Expenditure Impact On U.S. Income Inequality Vs Europe And Asia, Ryan Murphy

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines income inequality in the United States compared to Europe and Asia using a comparative economic model that incorporates real GDP, government expenditure, population growth, and trade openness as a percentage of GDP. By analyzing how these macroeconomic factors relate to income outcomes across countries, the study aims to highlight structural and policy-related differences that may help explain observed disparities in income inequality between the two economies. The model provides a framework for understanding how economic growth, public spending priorities, demographic trends, and integration into global trade can influence income distribution. The findings contribute to a broader discussion …

Tuition, Debt, And Homeownership: A State-Level Panel Data Analysis Of Young Adults In The United States, Om Patel

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This study examines the relationship between the cost of higher education and homeownership rates across 51 U.S. states from 2016 to 2024 using annual panel data with 459 observations. Data were obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series Current Population Survey. The model regresses state-level homeownership rates on average in-state tuition at public four-year universities, college attendance rate, and median household income. Both ordinary least squares and state fixed effects panel regressions are estimated. A Hausman test statistic of 216.53 with a p-value of 0.0000 confirms fixed …

Sustainable Transportation And Technology Linked To Carbon Emissions: A Cross-Sectional Data Analysis, Adam Skinner

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper investigates the extent to which sustainable transportation variables reduce CO₂ emissions across the United States, using cross-sectional data from the fifty states in the year 2021. To examine the impact of green transportation linked with carbon emissions, this paper uses an empirical model to investigate various factors such as EVs per 1,000 people, average fuel prices, GDP per capita, and population. This analysis will compare states with different levels of sustainable transportation and be able to evaluate whether green transportation is effective with lower emissions using an ordinary least squares model. Additionally, this study includes machine learning to …

Determinants Of Inflation In The Eurozone: Evidence From Germany, Spain, And Greece Using Panel Data And Machine Learning, Cailan Steahle

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines why inflation differs across Germany, Spain, and Greece despite all three countries operating under a common monetary policy set by the European Central Bank. While these countries share the same currency and interest rates, their inflation patterns have varied significantly over time. This study investigates whether countryspecific macroeconomic factors, such as GDP, unemployment, bond yields, energy prices, and money supply, helps explain these differences. Using panel data methods, the analysis estimates both fixed and random effects models and performs a Hausman test to determine the most appropriate specification. The results indicate that the fixed effects model is …

Measuring The Effects Of Housing Wealth, Oil Prices, And Determinants Of Consumption On Consumer Spending, Pedro Alordes Compres

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines the possible effects of Housing Wealth, Oil Prices, Disposable Income, and other determinants of consumption on Consumer Spending in the United States, considering consumer spending is the final purpose of economic activity. The study will use determinants of household consumption in a multivariate time-series model to examine the changes over time in the previously mentioned independent variables. Additionally, Random Forest will be used as a Machine Learning Model to predict different outcomes in the same sector.

Social Media Is A Juggernaut: Lagged Correlation Analysis Using Ngram Data On “Internet” And “Social Media” With Amplification By The Advent Of The “Iphone”, William Zywiak, Gao Niu, Nicolas Petrell, Victoria Nichele, Kirsten Hokeness

Mathematics and Economics Faculty Journal Articles

The amount of new information transmitted per day can be overwhelming. The data available through Ngram Viewer allows statistical examination to determine the most salient topics, as well as lagged correlation and lagged variance to support possible causal connections between concepts. Using this database, we determined that COVID, crypto, microplastics, and especially social media are important topics of the last few years. We also present results that suggest the development of the internet and the iPhone fueled the prominence of social media, and the access of the iPhone also increased access to the internet.

Hospital Concentration And Aca Premiums, Lucas Piselli

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

This research examines the relationship between hospital market concentration and health insurance premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces. As hospitals across the United States have increasingly merged or closed, provider markets have become more concentrated, raising questions about whether consolidation improves efficiency or instead increases healthcare costs through greater market power. Using Marketplace premium data, hospital discharge information, and demographic controls from 2014–2017, the study analyzes how hospital concentration, measured by the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), affects insurance pricing. The findings show that highly concentrated hospital markets are associated with significantly higher Marketplace premiums, even after controlling for insurer …

Independent Vs. Signed Musicians: Does Thier Status Affect Their Success?, Zachary Vincent

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

As technology has advanced and become more widely available, and as the public learns more about the recording industry and its workings, more musicians are choosing not to sign with record labels, becoming independent musicians. This now raises the question: does a musician’s status of independent or signed determine their level of success? It has been previously found that independent musicians have a more difficult time competing with signed musicians due to the resources provided by record labels and the way labels negotiate with large streaming platforms, giving signed labels more opportunities to be seen in the public eye, but …

Ai's Impact On The Labor Market: Shaping The Present And Forecasting The Future, Emma Ryan

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

Artificial Intelligence is one of the fastest growing technologies, providing humans with a tool to assist them in their daily lives. While this is an advantage, there is also the downside that AI has the ability to remove routine and repetitive tasks. This paper takes a closer look at the impacts of Artificial Intelligence on the labor market and analyzes the implications of AI, both positive and negative. It elaborates on both the job opportunities present due to AI and the job displacement that may occur. A detailed survey was distributed to college students to understand their perceptions of AI …

Mind The Gap: Understanding Why Gen Z’S Sustainability Values Do Not Align With Fashion Purchasing Behavior. Exploring The Factors That Contribute To Values-Behavior Gap, Aileen Charron

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

This thesis investigates the values-behavior gap that exists among Gen Z consumers, specifically investigating why sustainability values often do not translate into sustainable fashion purchasing. Through a multidisciplinary literature review highlighting key economic, marketing, psychological, and anthropological theories of consumer demand, this study identifies the complex motivations behind Gen Z’s fashion choices. A survey distributed to Gen Z respondents (n = 42) measured sustainability values, fashion purchasing habits, and influences across the four different theoretical domains of demand. Respondents were categorized into four subcategories of purchaser based on their sustainability values and consumption behaviors. Analyses had a particular focus on …

Sports Economics And Regional Prosperity: Exploring The Economic Impacts Of Success Of “Big Four” Teams, Gavin Todtenkopf

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

Recent years have seen massive increases in government spending on sports stadiums and overall sports investments. The justification for this trend is that sports create positive externalities that can boost the overall economy of a region that the team resides in. However, economists cannot come to a unified conclusion about whether a single team can positively impact economic growth. Therefore, this study looks at the effects of a region's largest sports teams, collectively known as the “Big 4.” This includes teams in the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. An econometric economic model is used to estimate the relationship between economic …

The Role Of Gender Equity In Olympic Success Using Panel Data, Anusha Khan

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

This study investigates whether gender equity is one of the determinants of Olympic success at the country level. Using panel data with 766 observations from six Olympic years (2012–2022), it examines the relationship between gender equity and national medal counts. Three Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) models were estimated using total, men’s, and women’s medal counts as dependent variables. While the findings vary across models, results suggest that gender equity may be positively associated with Olympic performance, though its significance is limited when controlling for other social and economic variables.

The Pitch Clock's Impacts On The Game Of Baseball, Cole Ricciarelli

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

Past research has investigated what on-field statistics have impacted the success of MLB teams. However, this paper aims to look at the effect that the recent rule change of the pitch clock has on the win percentage of MLB teams. With the implementation of the pitch clock, it was expected that teams with a lower average pitch time would see more success. Using data from the 2013-2024 seasons, statistical analysis was run to determine which variables impacted team win percentage the most. It was found that average pitch times of pitchers did not play a significant role in overall team …

Skating For A Payday: Analyzing Nhl Player Performance In Contract Years, Mike Anthony Dibenedetto

Honors Projects in Economics

This research investigates the contract year phenomenon in the National Hockey League (NHL) by analyzing player performance during contract years rather than salary outcomes. Through an extensive literature review and empirical analysis, I examine whether NHL players exhibit statistically significant differences in performance during the final year of their contracts. Drawing from a broad range of studies on performance motivation, team systems, free agency, arbitration rights, and the role of advanced analytics, this paper synthesizes existing theories with new regression-based evidence.

Using a dataset of 2,717 player-season observations, I evaluate the effect of contract year status on key performance metrics, …

Enhancing Cryptocurrency Security And Trend Prediction Using Xgboost: An Ai-Driven Approach, Shrenik Kamma

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

Cryptocurrency, a digital currency secured by cryptography, has soared in popularity since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009. While offering benefits like decentralization and faster transactions, it also faces challenges such as security threats and market volatility. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising solution to enhance security and predict trends in the cryptocurrency market. This thesis explores how AI can be utilized to strengthen the security of cryptocurrency transactions and predict market trends. By analyzing current security measures, AI-driven approaches, and predictive models, this study aims to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for navigating cryptocurrency.

The Renewable Divide: Examining The Impact Of Renewable Energy On Pollution Across Development Levels, Andrea Ortiz Mieses

Honors Projects in Mathematics and Economics

This paper uses linear regression to analyze the relationship between renewable energy and environmental quality in both developed and developing countries. Developed nations often have stricter regulations and lower pollution levels, while developing nations prioritize economic growth, leading to rising pollution. Using data from the World Bank, World Health Organization, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the International Monetary Fund, this research aims to identify how renewable energy consumption in these contrasting contexts impact environmental outcomes. The analysis explores the effectiveness of various environmental conditions, using regression analysis to assess the impact of renewable energy on air pollution. …

The Price Of Victory: A Machine Learning Analysis Of How Salary Dispersion Influences Team Success In Major League Baseball, Joseph Belsanti

Empirical Economic Bulletin, An Undergraduate Journal

This paper examines the effect of salary dispersion on team success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Using data from 29 MLB teams over eight seasons (2012-2019), this study uses multiple models, such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), panel data regressions, and Random Forest machine learning, to investigate the degree – if any – that inequalities in a team's payroll impacts success, measured by winning percentage. The study's results show that, contrary to prevailing theories, salary dispersion – measured by a Gini coefficient – is not a significant predictor of a team's winning percentage (team success). Instead, team performance metrics, such …