The theory of studying the methods of economic processes and phenomena. Coursework: Methodology for the Study of Economic Processes and Phenomena

Economic science uses general scientific and specific research methods. The word "method" in translation from Greek means "the way to something." The methods of economic science not only reflect the known laws of the world of economic reality, but also act as a means of its further cognition.

The world of economic reality is complex and confusing, the task of economic theory is to systematize a chaotic set of facts. Economic theory establishes connections between facts, generalizes them and deduces certain patterns on this basis. In the construction of patterns, the following methods of cognition are used:

1. Positive method- This is an objective description and systematization of the facts of economic reality.

2. Practice shows that the opposite approach also takes place in economic science - regulatory analysis, involving the use of assumptions and value judgments reflecting the subjective position of the economist. The presence of a normative analysis is associated with the humanitarian nature of economic science and with the performance of its ideological function.

3. General scientific method of analysis involves dividing the object under study into separate elements. The highlighted elements are explored from different angles, the main and essential are highlighted in them.

4. Synthesis- a method opposite to analysis, which involves the combination of the investigated elements and sides of the object into a single whole. In the course of analysis and synthesis, relationships are established between economic processes and phenomena, cause-and-effect relationships, and patterns are identified.

5. Method of scientific abstraction- this is the beginning of any, including economic research, is to abstract from the insignificant, highlight the most important facts and relationships in the economy.

6. Assumption Ceteris paribus is used in the analysis and synthesis process. It means that only the investigated phenomena and interconnections change, and all other phenomena and interconnections are assumed to be unchanged.

7. Analogy - a method based on comparing the object under study with other objects.

8. Method of mathematical modeling- a description of the studied economic phenomena using mathematical signs and symbols. Variables that change their meaning under the influence of various factors are denoted by standard alphabetic symbols. For example, in Latin letters R the price is indicated, D – demand, S - supply, etc. If two variables of economic research x and y connected by functional dependence, then in mathematical language this means that y is a function: x [y = f (x)].

For economic analysis, it is not enough to show this dependence, it is also necessary to reveal how, how they are connected, that is, how the y depending on the change x ... Most clearly, the nature of the relationship between the two quantities is determined by the graphical form of functions. In economic theory, the traditional for mathematics Cartesian coordinate system is widely used, which is two mutually perpendicular axes: the ordinate axis and the abscissa axis. The dependence of the two quantities will be reflected by the curve (with a certain degree of approximation). And the more initial data for plotting the graph, the more accurately the curve will describe the nature of the dependence of these values (all other variables are fixed).

Economic theory derives laws from two levels of analysis: microeconomic and macroeconomic. In microeconomic analysis, specific economic units are investigated: a separate industry, a specific firm, or the economic performance of an individual firm. Microeconomic analysis is necessary in order to consider the specific components of an economic system.

Macroeconomic analysis is used to study the economy as a whole, or its main components, which are called aggregate indicators (for example, the public sector, national product, national income). Macroeconomic analysis is used to characterize the overall picture of the economy or the relationships between individual aggregates. Therefore, macroeconomic analysis operates with such quantities as gross output, gross income, general price level, etc.

Although in micro = and macroanalysis economic phenomena are considered from different angles, the methods and research tools are the same.

The use of micro = and macroeconomic analysis does not mean a sharp division of economic theory into separate sections, when some topics relate to microeconomics and others to macroeconomics. In recent years, micro = and macroeconomics have merged in important areas of analysis. So, for example, modern unemployment is not only a problem of macroeconomic analysis. To determine the level, it is important to analyze the functioning of a specific product market and labor market.

Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

FEDERAL EDUCATION AGENCY

State educational institution of higher professional education

RUSSIAN STATE TRADE AND ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY

Novosibirsk branch

Trade and Economics Faculty

COURSE WORK

in the discipline "Economic theory"

on the topic "Methodology for the study of economic processes and phenomena"

Novosibirsk 2010

Introduction

1.1 Basic concepts

1. Analysis of methodology

2.1 Concept and types

2.2 Method of factor analysis

3. Ways of improvement

Conclusion

Bibliography

Introduction

For a correct understanding of the course "Economic Theory" it is necessary to determine the methods of economic theory. For three centuries now, theoretical economists of various directions and schools have expressed conflicting views. During this time, ideas about the sources of the wealth of society, about the role of the state in economic activity, have changed several times, and even the name of the science itself has been updated.

The first reason for studying economic theory is that this theory deals with such problems that concern us all, without exception: what types of work need to be done? How are they paid? How many goods can be bought for a conventional unit of wages now and during the period of leaping inflation? What is the likelihood that a time will come when a person will not be able to find a suitable job for himself only within an acceptable time frame?

Economic theory is designed to study and explain the processes and phenomena of economic life, and for this, economic theory must penetrate into the essence of deep processes, reveal laws and predict ways to use them.

In economic processes, one can find two peculiar layers of relations between people: the first of them is superficial, externally visible, the second is internal, hidden from external observation.

The study of externally visible economic relations is naturally available to every person. Therefore, from childhood, people develop everyday economic thinking, which is based on direct knowledge of economic life. Such thinking, as a rule, is distinguished by a subjective character, in which the individual psychology of a person manifests itself. It is limited by a person's personal outlook, often based on fragmentary and one-sided information;

Economic theory seeks to discover the essence of economic phenomena behind the external appearance of economic phenomena - their internal content, as well as the cause-and-effect dependence of some phenomena on others. Professor Paul Heine (USA) gave an interesting comparison: “An economist knows the real world no better, and in most cases worse than managers, engineers, mechanics, in a word, business people. But economists know how different things are related. Economics allows us to better understand what we see, more consistently and logically to think about a wide range of complex social relations.

The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that, without knowing the methods of researching economic phenomena, it is impossible to correctly assess a particular economic event, calculate whether an enterprise will make a profit, or vice versa.

The aim of the course is to consider methods for studying economic processes and phenomena.

The objectives of the course work: we will consider the methodology in theory, conduct an analysis, and also consider ways to improve this topic.

1. The theory of studying methods of economic processes and phenomena

1.1 Basic concepts

To begin with, let's consider the very concept of methodology, what is included in it.

The methodology of science, as you know, is the doctrine of the principles of construction, forms and methods of scientific knowledge. Therefore, the methodology of economic theory is the science of the principles of building an economic system, of the methods of studying economic activity.

The methodology of economic theory is the science of methods of studying economic life, economic phenomena. It presupposes a common approach to the study of economic phenomena, a single understanding of reality, a single philosophical basis. The methodology is designed to help solve the main question: with the help of what scientific methods, methods of cognizing reality, economic theory achieves a true coverage of the functioning and further development of a particular economic system. There are four main approaches in the methodology of economic theory:

1) subjective (from the standpoint of subjective idealism);

2) neo-positivist-empirical (from the standpoint of neo-positivist empiricism and skepticism);

3) rationalistic;

4) dialectical-materialistic.

With the subjectivist approach, the starting point for the analysis of economic phenomena is taken as an economic entity that affects the surrounding world, and the sovereign "I" is relatively independent, hence all are equal. The object of economic analysis is the behavior of the subject of the economy ("homoeconomics"), and therefore economic theory is considered as the science of human activity, determined by the boundaries of needs. The main category with this approach is need, utility. Economics becomes a theory of choice made by a business entity from various options.

The neo-positivist-empirical approach is based on a more thorough study of phenomena and their assessment. The technical apparatus of research is put at the head, which turns from a tool into an object of cognition (mathematical apparatus, econometrics, cybernetics, etc.), and the result of research is various kinds of empirical models, which are the main categories here. This approach assumes division into microeconomics - economic problems at the level of the firm and industry and macroeconomics - economic problems at the scale of society.

The rationalist approach aims to discover the "natural" or rational laws of civilization. This requires a study of the economic system as a whole, the economic laws governing this system, the study of the economic "anatomy" of society. F. Quesnay's economic tables are the pinnacle of this approach. The goal of human economic activity is the desire to obtain benefits, and the goal of economic theory is not the study of human behavior, but the study of the laws governing the production and distribution of the social product (D. Ricardo). This approach recognizes the division of society into classes, in contrast to the subjectivist, which represents society as a set of equal subjects. The main attention in this approach is paid to value, price, economic laws.

The dialectical-materialist approach is considered the only correct one in solving scientific problems on the basis of not empirical positivism (experience), but an objective analysis that characterizes the internal connections of phenomena existing in reality. Economic processes and phenomena constantly arise, develop and are destroyed, i.e. are in constant motion, and this is their dialectic. Methodology cannot be confused with methods - tools, a set of research techniques in science and their reproduction in the system of economic categories and laws.

The characteristic features of the method of economic analysis are: a) determination of a system of indicators that comprehensively characterize the economic activities of organizations;

b) establishing the subordination of indicators with the allocation of cumulative effective factors and factors (main and secondary) that affect them;

c) identifying the form of the relationship between factors;

d) the choice of techniques and methods for studying the relationship;

e) quantitative measurement of the influence of factors on the aggregate indicator.

The set of techniques and methods that are used in the study of economic processes constitutes the methodology of economic analysis. The method of economic analysis is based on the intersection of three areas of knowledge: economics, statistics and mathematics. Economic methods of analysis include comparison, grouping, balance and graphical methods. Statistical methods include the use of average and relative values, index method, correlation and regression analysis, etc. Mathematical methods can be divided into three groups: economic (matrix methods, theory of production functions, theory of input-output balance); methods of economic cybernetics and optimal programming (linear, nonlinear, dynamic programming); methods of operations research and decision-making (graph theory, game theory, queuing theory).

1.2 Characteristics of the basic techniques and methods of economic analysis

Comparison - a comparison of the studied data and the facts of economic life. Distinguish between horizontal comparative analysis, which is used to determine the absolute and relative deviations of the actual level of the studied indicators from the baseline. Vertical comparative analysis used to study the structure of economic phenomena; trend analysis used to study the relative growth rates and growth rates of indicators over a number of years to the level of the base year, i.e. when studying the series of dynamics.

A prerequisite for comparative analysis is the comparability of the compared indicators, which implies:

· The unity of volumetric, cost, quality, structural indicators; · Unity of time periods for which comparison is made; · Comparability of production conditions and comparability of methods for calculating indicators.

In economics, both in science and in the curriculum, there is always a methodology. Methodology- This is the science of methods, the doctrine of the principles of construction, forms and methods of scientific knowledge.

In economics as a science, a variety of forms and methods of scientific knowledge are used, including observation; processing of the obtained material by means of synthesis and analysis; induction and deduction; systematic approach; developing hypotheses and testing them; conducting experiments; development of models in logical and mathematical forms.

Economic Science Methods- a set of methods and techniques for understanding economic relations and their reproduction in a system of categories and laws.

Considering the patterns of changes in economic processes, economic theory uses the methods of economic and mathematical modeling (the study of processes and phenomena either directly, but through auxiliary objects), which appeared in the XX century.

In economic science, methods of scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, a systematic approach, and modeling methods (primarily graphic, mathematical and computer modeling) are widely used.

Scientific abstraction method (abstraction) consists in abstraction in the process of cognition from external phenomena, inessential details and highlighting the essence of an object or phenomenon. As a result of these assumptions, it is possible to develop, for example, scientific concepts that express the most general properties and connections of the phenomena of reality - categories. So, abstracting from the countless differences in the external properties of millions of different goods produced in the world, we combine them into one economic category - goods, fixing the main thing that unites various goods - these are products intended for sale.

Analysis and synthesis method involves the study of the phenomenon both in parts (analysis) and as a whole (synthesis). For example, studying the main properties of money (money as a measure of value, as a means of circulation, payment, savings), we can, on this basis, try to put them together, generalize (synthesize) and conclude that money is a special commodity that serves as a universal equivalent. By combining analysis and synthesis, we provide systemic (integrated) approach to complex (multi-element) phenomena of economic life.

Also widely used induction and deduction.

Induction Is the process of creating a theory from a set of observations. Through induction, a transition is provided from the study of isolated facts to general statements and conclusions.

Deduction– the process of predicting future events using theory. Deduction makes it possible to move from the most general conclusions to relatively specific ones.

The most important method is eq. theory is systems approach, examining functional relationships - direct and inverse relationships between variables. Its use showed that eq. laws and categories are not absolute, but relative, which allows you to move away from one-sided and categorical judgments.

Economic model Is a formalized description of an economic process or phenomenon, the structure of which is determined both by its objective properties and by the subjective target nature of the research.

The model in economics gives a simplified picture of reality, allows you to make generalizations and assumptions in an abstract form (graphic, mathematical).

Modeling, those. building models, reflects the main economic indicators (data, variables) of the objects under study and the relationship between them (their relationship). If the model contains only the most general description of indicators and their interrelationships, then this is a textual model. If quantitative values are assigned to these indicators and relationships, then on the basis of the text model it is possible to build a graphical, mathematical and computer model that reflects how the indicators (data, variables) change.

Models are divided into static and dynamic.

Static models - designed to study the phenomenon at a certain point in time.

Dynamic models - the model illustrates the change in the studied phenomenon over a certain period.

Economic and mathematical modeling being one of the systemic research methods, it allows to determine the causes of changes in economic phenomena, the patterns of these changes, their consequences, the possibilities and results of influencing the course of changes, and also makes it possible to predict economic processes.

Also used graphical method- involves the use of graphs, tables to illustrate images.

Graphical method(graphical modeling method) is based on the construction of models using various drawings - graphs, diagrams, diagrams. The interdependence of economic indicators is especially well demonstrated by graphs - images of the relationship between two or more variables.

The dependence can be linear (i.e. constant), then the graph is a straight line located at an angle between two axes - vertical (usually denoted by the letter Y) and horizontal (X).

To begin with, let's consider the very concept of methodology, what is included in it.

1) subjective (from the standpoint of subjective idealism);
2) neo-positivist-empirical (from the standpoint of neo-positivist empiricism and skepticism);
3) rationalistic;
4) dialectical-materialistic.

The characteristic features of the method of economic analysis are:

a) determination of a system of indicators that comprehensively characterize the economic activities of organizations;
b) establishing the subordination of indicators with the allocation of cumulative effective factors and factors (main and secondary) that affect them;
c) identifying the form of the relationship between factors;
d) the choice of techniques and methods for studying the relationship;
e) quantitative measurement of the influence of factors on the aggregate indicator.

A research method generally refers to a sequence of stages and a set of methods, techniques for studying and describing a phenomenon. Scientific knowledge of life, in contrast to its direct perception, allows you to penetrate deep into processes and phenomena, to reveal their connections and interdependencies, to identify the causes and driving forces of development, if a reliable research method is used.

Rice. 1.4. Methods of economic theory

The dialectical method serves as a truly scientific and universal method of cognition.. Using it, science has developed and applies various specific methods and techniques for cognizing reality. These include: statistical observation, the advancement and testing of hypotheses, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, the combination of the historical and the logical, mathematical modeling, setting up experiments, etc. These methods and techniques of cognition are used in both natural and social sciences. But the forms and boundaries of their application depend on the subject of science and its nature.

In economic theory, the process of cognition consists of three stages:

· NS mythical(collection and processing of facts related to a specific problem, comparison of facts with existing theories and hypotheses);

· theoretical(derivation of general principles, patterns from known facts, creation of new hypotheses and theories);

· practical(formation of principles, approaches of economic policy on the basis of the revealed regularities).

Taking into account the specifics of the subject, economic theory also chooses the appropriate research methods. If, for example, a laboratory experiment is of paramount importance in chemistry, a microscope in biology, and accelerators in nuclear physics, then in economic theory it is impossible to use either the first, or the second, or the third. The main methods here are scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, a combination of the historical and the logical.

At the empirical stage, the main method of cognition is the analysis and synthesis of the collected facts. In the process of analysis, groupings are used, average and limiting values are determined, dynamics are revealed, etc. In the course of analysis, generalizations arise and new concepts are formed. In this case, the main method of economic theory is used - the method of scientific abstraction.

Scientific abstraction method includes two interrelated cognition processes:

• movement from the concrete to the abstract and from the abstract to the concrete;

· Movement from phenomenon to essence and from essence to phenomenon.

Abstraction means cleansing our ideas about the processes under study from the random, transient, individual and separating from them the lasting, stable, typical. It is thanks to the method of abstraction that it is possible to capture the essence of phenomena, to formulate categories and laws that express these essences.

As a result of abstraction, economic categories, that is, scientific concepts that express the essence of economic phenomena (for example, goods, money, credit, value, etc.). Further deepening of knowledge allows you to formulate economic laws, reflecting the most objective and stable relationships in economic processes (for example, the laws of value, supply and demand, the rise of needs, etc.). However, this does not end the process of cognition. The movement from the concrete to the abstract is complemented by a reverse process - an ascent from the abstract to the concrete, during which the simplest economic form (category) is "transformed" into a multifaceted reality, the internal structure of which is now known. What, at the first stage, it was necessary to abstract from in the name of clarifying deeper essential points, now, on the contrary, must be taken into account and explained step by step, starting from general foundations and ending with specific forms of their manifestations. But now the concrete appears no longer as a random pile-up of phenomena, but as an integral, internally connected picture of economic life.

Another important technique used by economic theory at the stage of processing facts is combination of historical and logical. Our entire life, especially economic, entirely consists of facts that need to be collected, classified, analyzed. The facts can be very diverse, so they need to be comprehended, to find the principles of their interrelationships and to reveal the meaning that unites them. For example, what unites all wars, regardless of the place and time of their occurrence? What unites, say, the campaigns of the Macedonian, Napoleon, Hitler? Analyzing these wars historically, economic theory responds that the purpose of all these and other wars was to seize resources. That is, the logic of behavior of all aggressors who started wars is the same - the seizure of resources.

The transition from the empirical to the theoretical stage of knowledge occurs through induction, when new principles or hypotheses are derived from the facts, and deduction, when the collection of facts is approached from the position of a certain theory (hypothesis). The deductive method is a method of research or presentation in which particular provisions are logically derived from general provisions (from axioms, laws, rules). Induction is a way of research, going from particular, isolated cases to a general conclusion, from individual facts to generalizations.

Finally, in the transition from the theoretical to the practical stage of cognition, that is, when justifying economic policy, it is used positive and normative analysis. Positive analysis deals with facts that have already been processed and transferred to the level of theory. Such analysis is free, independent of subjective value judgments. Regulatory analysis, on the contrary, it represents the value judgments of some people about what the economy should be or what measures, actions should be recommended, based on a certain economic theory.

The variety of techniques used by scientists in the study of the subject of economic theory allows us to conclude that their combination is a reliable tool that allows you to reduce complex events to simple models in order to discover common elements in seemingly dissimilar situations.

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