Where Would Adam Smith Publish Today? An Update on Math-Free Research

19 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2017

See all articles by William Miller

William Miller

Troy University, Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy, Students

Date Written: April 12, 2017

Abstract

Approximately a decade ago, Sutter and Pjesky (2007) analyzed the near-absence of math-free research in 10 top economics journals for 2003-2004. They found that only a small percentage of published articles in these journals constituted research which might be considered truly math-free. Is this finding still relevant today, and if so, has the trend worsened? The current paper seeks to address this question through an analysis of a fresh batch of 8 top journals from the 2013-2014 period. I find that not only does a similar conclusion hold true today, but in fact, the preponderance of research seems to have shifted towards even more mathematical modes of thought. In addition, I elicit some new observations regarding an increased emphasis on experimental research and field journals.

Keywords: Mathematics, regression analysis, math-free, top economics journals, methodology

JEL Classification: A11, B41

Suggested Citation

Miller, William, Where Would Adam Smith Publish Today? An Update on Math-Free Research (April 12, 2017). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2953793

William Miller (Contact Author)

Troy University, Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy, Students ( email )

Bibb Graves Hall
Troy, AL 36082
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
13
Abstract Views
87
PlumX Metrics