Applied Economics · Research · Insights

Turn economic questions into meaningful insights.

Discover how economists investigate real-world problems, interpret data, evaluate public policies and build evidence-based explanations of economic behaviour.

Explore research areas Learn the research process

✓ Research methods ✓ Data interpretation ✓ Policy evaluation

Research studio / 001

From question to evidence

A sample research question

Does education improve employment outcomes?

STEP 01 Collect evidence

STEP 02 Test a hypothesis

STEP 03 Interpret results

STEP 04 Draw conclusions

The research principle A relationship between two variables does not automatically establish that one causes the other.

Illustrative research workflow. No empirical result is being reported.

Research questions

Turn broad topics into specific, answerable questions.

Data & evidence

Work with economic indicators and datasets.

Analytical methods

Apply statistical and econometric reasoning.

Policy insights

Explain findings and evaluate implications.

Explore the research landscape

One question. Many ways to investigate.

Choose a research area to explore its key questions, analytical approaches and potential applications. Search the library to find a starting point for your next study.

How to use this library

Begin with a topic, define a measurable question, identify suitable data and choose a method that fits your objective.

MACRO

Macroeconomic Research

Investigate growth, inflation, unemployment, business cycles and the interaction between aggregate economic variables.

Explore methods →

MICRO

Microeconomic Analysis

Study consumer behaviour, firm decisions, market structures, incentives, pricing and resource allocation.

Explore methods →

ECONOMETRICS

Econometrics & Statistical Analysis

Learn regression, hypothesis testing, model diagnostics, causal inference and evidence-based estimation.

Explore methods →

POLICY

Public Policy Evaluation

Assess policy objectives, implementation, distributional effects, costs, benefits and measurable outcomes.

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DEVELOPMENT

Development Economics

Examine poverty, inequality, education, health, livelihoods, labour markets and inclusive development.

Explore methods →

DATA

Economic Data & Visualisation

Interpret economic indicators, compare time periods, visualise trends and communicate findings clearly.

Find data sources →

No matching research areas found.

Try a different keyword or select all categories.

The research framework

How economic research works

A strong study connects a clear question with appropriate evidence, a defensible method and a transparent interpretation.

Research methods differ by question. Not every study requires a regression model or a causal claim.

Define the problem

Identify the economic issue, target population, variables and scope of the investigation.

OUTPUT · Research question

Review the evidence

Read relevant literature, identify existing explanations and locate gaps in current knowledge.

OUTPUT · Literature review

Select a method

Choose suitable data, define variables and specify a method that addresses the research objective.

OUTPUT · Research design

Analyse & communicate

Report findings, explain limitations, distinguish correlation from causation and discuss implications.

OUTPUT · Research report

Start with credible evidence

Official economic data & research sources

Use primary statistical publications and documented datasets wherever possible. Check definitions, coverage, revisions, units and reference periods before interpreting the results.

Official statistics

MoSPI — Economic Statistics

Explore national accounts, GDP-related measures, consumer prices, industrial production and official statistical releases.

Visit MoSPI ↗

Banking & finance

Reserve Bank of India

Find monetary, banking, financial and macroeconomic data, statistical publications and the Database on Indian Economy.

Visit RBI ↗

Data catalogue

eSankhyiki Data Portal

Explore official statistical products and datasets published through India's national statistical data systems.

Explore eSankhyiki ↗

Government publications

Economic Survey of India

Read the Government of India's annual economic assessment, including policy discussions, sectoral analysis and risks.

Visit India Budget ↗

Public finance

Union Budget & Fiscal Documents

Examine budget estimates, receipts, expenditure, fiscal indicators and the government's stated spending priorities.

View budget documents ↗

Development research

World Bank Open Data

Compare selected development indicators across countries, subject to their definitions, coverage and data availability.

Explore global data ↗

Research standard: These are external resources, not datasets embedded in this page. Verify the latest release, methodology and publication date directly at the source before using any figures in an assignment or report.

Build your next research idea

Start with a question worth investigating.

Use this research planner to organise a preliminary idea. It generates a draft research outline in your browser. It does not collect data, conduct statistical analysis or save your project to an online account.

Example research question

What is the relationship between educational attainment and employment outcomes among young adults in India?

Research idea builder

Enter your topic and choose a broad research approach.

Your preliminary research outline

Mind Guru Gyan Academy

Learn to question, analyse and explain.

Build a stronger understanding of economics by connecting theory, evidence, analytical methods and real-world problems.

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