This research assignment requires analysis of economic data and policies in a manner that
displays advanced understating of the topics and models/theories presented in the
Macroeconomics course. The assignment has two major parts. Each part contains multiple
components. Please address both parts and each of the specified components in sufficient detail
in one comprehensive research paper. You must correctly use most of the relevant key concepts
and models/theories learned in the course.
Part I: Description of the State of the U.S. Economy
1. Describe the state of the U.S. Economy for the years between 2012 and now in terms of
macroeconomic measures discussed in the course (GDP, unemployment, and inflation
rates). Select ONE of these macroeconomic measures to write about. Use data from the
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), http://www.recovery.gov, and other
government agencies and departments, such as Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor
Statistics), Department of Commerce (Bureau of Economic Analysis), etc. and present
the data in charts, graphs, or tables.
2. As you will notice from your data analysis, the economy passes through different phases
and turns. Discuss the implications of a given state (for example, recession) in terms
households, businesses, and the entire society as a whole. Share your thoughts as to why
it is important for you to understand the different states through which the economy
displays advanced understating of the topics and models/theories presented in the
Macroeconomics course. The assignment has two major parts. Each part contains multiple
components. Please address both parts and each of the specified components in sufficient detail
in one comprehensive research paper. You must correctly use most of the relevant key concepts
and models/theories learned in the course.
Part I: Description of the State of the U.S. Economy
1. Describe the state of the U.S. Economy for the years between 2012 and now in terms of
macroeconomic measures discussed in the course (GDP, unemployment, and inflation
rates). Select ONE of these macroeconomic measures to write about. Use data from the
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), http://www.recovery.gov, and other
government agencies and departments, such as Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor
Statistics), Department of Commerce (Bureau of Economic Analysis), etc. and present
the data in charts, graphs, or tables.
2. As you will notice from your data analysis, the economy passes through different phases
and turns. Discuss the implications of a given state (for example, recession) in terms
households, businesses, and the entire society as a whole. Share your thoughts as to why
it is important for you to understand the different states through which the economy
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passes. Share personal examples and experiences. While Covid-19 has been a major
disruptor of the economy, it should not form the major basis for your paper, so many
other things have taken place since 2012.
Part II: Analysis of Economic Policies
1. In your analysis of the macroeconomic data, you will notice that the U.S. economy
passed through a major recession. Based on research, discuss the underlying causes of the
recession. Identify monetary and fiscal policies implemented by the Federal Reserve and
the government to deal with the recession.
2. Evaluate the expected and actual effects of each policy. Your response needs to include
the name of the policy, description of the policy, the year it is implemented, and
discussion of expected and actual outcomes in terms of the GDP, unemployment and
inflation rates.
3. After close observation of the different perspectives discussed in the course, share your
position on the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies to deal with recession or
inflation.
4. As part of the economy, each of us will be affected by the state of the economy and the
actions policy makers take to stabilize or advance it. Conclude by sharing why
understanding these actions and outcomes matter to you as an individual who is part of
the economic system. How do they affect the society/economy? What could be done
differently? Share personal examples and experiences
General Guidelines
The paper must be 1000 – 1500 words long, typewritten, double-spaced, with 1” margins and
12pt. Times New Roman font. The paper must be written in essay format, using standard written
English with a clear introduction and conclusion. Organize your paper with the following
subheadings:
Introduction
Description of the State of the U.S. Economy
Analysis of Economic Policies
Personal Reflections and
Conclusion
You must use at least four credible sources coming from academic journal articles (you will
need to visit the library to know what a journal article looks like and where it can be
retrieved – most journal articles come from databases e.g.: EBSCO host or Academic
Search Premier etc.) to support your ideas (avoid sites such
as Wikipedia, Investopedia, EHow, yahoo answers, etc. – I do not expect websites in your work
cited list). You can contact a librarian or me if you are not sure about the credibility of a source)
You must use APA-formatted in-text citations (It is important that you identify all items directly
copied or paraphrased from other sources by including the source each time you cite or
paraphrased other people’s work. Read TCCD’s policy on plagiarism)
passes. Share personal examples and experiences. While Covid-19 has been a major
disruptor of the economy, it should not form the major basis for your paper, so many
other things have taken place since 2012.
Part II: Analysis of Economic Policies
1. In your analysis of the macroeconomic data, you will notice that the U.S. economy
passed through a major recession. Based on research, discuss the underlying causes of the
recession. Identify monetary and fiscal policies implemented by the Federal Reserve and
the government to deal with the recession.
2. Evaluate the expected and actual effects of each policy. Your response needs to include
the name of the policy, description of the policy, the year it is implemented, and
discussion of expected and actual outcomes in terms of the GDP, unemployment and
inflation rates.
3. After close observation of the different perspectives discussed in the course, share your
position on the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies to deal with recession or
inflation.
4. As part of the economy, each of us will be affected by the state of the economy and the
actions policy makers take to stabilize or advance it. Conclude by sharing why
understanding these actions and outcomes matter to you as an individual who is part of
the economic system. How do they affect the society/economy? What could be done
differently? Share personal examples and experiences
General Guidelines
The paper must be 1000 – 1500 words long, typewritten, double-spaced, with 1” margins and
12pt. Times New Roman font. The paper must be written in essay format, using standard written
English with a clear introduction and conclusion. Organize your paper with the following
subheadings:
Introduction
Description of the State of the U.S. Economy
Analysis of Economic Policies
Personal Reflections and
Conclusion
You must use at least four credible sources coming from academic journal articles (you will
need to visit the library to know what a journal article looks like and where it can be
retrieved – most journal articles come from databases e.g.: EBSCO host or Academic
Search Premier etc.) to support your ideas (avoid sites such
as Wikipedia, Investopedia, EHow, yahoo answers, etc. – I do not expect websites in your work
cited list). You can contact a librarian or me if you are not sure about the credibility of a source)
You must use APA-formatted in-text citations (It is important that you identify all items directly
copied or paraphrased from other sources by including the source each time you cite or
paraphrased other people’s work. Read TCCD’s policy on plagiarism)
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You must include an APA-formatted reference page. Below is an example of how you can cite
your sources in the work cited list in APA format: – this how you will list in the reference page or
work cited list:
Dommer, S. L., Swaminathan, V., & Ahluwalia, R. (2013). Using differentiated brands to deflect
Exclusion and protect inclusion: the moderating role of self-esteem on attachment to
Differentiated brands. Journal of Consumer Research, 40. doi: 10.1086/671763.
You must include an APA-formatted reference page. Below is an example of how you can cite
your sources in the work cited list in APA format: – this how you will list in the reference page or
work cited list:
Dommer, S. L., Swaminathan, V., & Ahluwalia, R. (2013). Using differentiated brands to deflect
Exclusion and protect inclusion: the moderating role of self-esteem on attachment to
Differentiated brands. Journal of Consumer Research, 40. doi: 10.1086/671763.