Exam 1
Due date: Thursday, Feb 16, 2017, 12:00 noon
Your answers will be graded on the quality of your response but not any sense of right or wrong. When writing your response consider these parameters.
- How balanced is your approach to the answer?
- Have you reflected on all sides of the argument?
- Is your analysis well articulated and complete?
1. Most economists believe that nearly all problems can be solved if only an appropriate incentive system can be developed and applied to the situation. Based upon your reading of the Freakonomics book. 20 points
- Discuss how economists approach determining perceived problems, statistical testing of hypotheses, and developing incentive structure recommendations.
- Your answer should also include a discussion of the importance of incentive structures and conventional wisdom.
2. Read these articles:
- http://time.com/4575780/stephen-bannon-fourth-turning/
- http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/11/14/stephen-k-bannon-friend-jewish-people-defender-israel/
- http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oregon-woman-mails-gop-leaders-their-hypocritical-tweets-n715066
- http://www.cbsnews.com/news/steve-bannon-and-the-alt-right-a-primer/
Feel welcome to supplement with your own website information if you believe the sites provided are biased in any given direction. (40 points)
a. Who is Stephen Bannon?
b. Based upon what you have read what is the incentive structure in which Bannon operates? i.e., what motivates him?
c. What is his ultimate goal? Is that something the national as a whole should worry about or praise? Explain.
3. Log into the two web sites listed below then research five of the listed groups in at least two categories. After your research, answer these questions: (40 Points)
- What groups have you researched? Describe each group and their membership.
- What motivates the groups?
- Speculate on the incentive structures that lead to these view points.
- Are the groups working for an overall improvement in the welfare of society? Explain.
- In general, what, if anything, should government do about these kinds of groups? Explain.