G Regional Patterns in Economics

Delve into the nuances of economic patterns as they manifest across different geographical regions, comparing and contrasting growth trajectories, economic behaviors, and regional peculiarities. This module delves into county-level variations stemming from the local industrial composition, demographic factors, and institutional quality. State-level differences arise from factors like tax policies, infrastructure quality, education standards, and the presence of major corporations. On a broader scale, country-level variations are shaped by national strategies, international trade dynamics, technological progress, and geopolitical stability. Within the module, you’ll learn how to illustrate these regional trends using scatter and time series plots and how to decipher their implications.

G.1 Overview

Outlined below is the chapter contained in this module:

  • Chapter 17: “Regional Patterns” delves into the variations in economic performance across regions at various geographical levels, including county, state, and national levels, and delves into the underlying factors influencing these patterns.

Additionally, the following DataCamp course supplements the chapter mentioned above:

  • Intermediate Data Visualization with ggplot2: This advanced ggplot2 course enhances your understanding by focusing on explanatory plots, on-the-fly statistics, the use of coordinates and facets, and best practices in data visualization.

The module culminates in the creation of a data report:

G.2 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

  1. Define and distinguish economic behaviors across county, state, and national levels.
  2. Identify the factors that contribute to regional variations in economic patterns.
  3. Apply scatter and time series plotting methods to illustrate regional economic trends.
  4. Analyze and interpret the implications of regional economic patterns.

G.3 Learning Activities & Assessments

Throughout this module, you’ll engage in the following activities:

  • Textbook Engagement: Read the textbook chapter 17 and reproduce the content provided. Input the code from the chapters into RStudio and verify that your results match the chapter outputs.

  • DataCamp Training: Complete the Intermediate Data Visualization with ggplot2 course on DataCamp. While progressing through the course, keep an R script handy and apply the learned functions to any of the datasets introduced in this module. This preserves the new functions of the course and potentially offers new insights from the chosen dataset.

  • Data Report Creation: To consolidate your learning, craft a Data Report on Regional Patterns using R Markdown. Your report should clearly display data, provide meaningful analyses, and embody the module’s content.

Your assessment will be based on:

  • Data Report Evaluation: The quality of the data report is central to module assessment. It should be professional, suitable for clients, and reflect the module’s content. Ensure you adhere to the data report instructions.

For further guidance on maximizing your textbook experience, consult the Textbook Engagement section. For specifications on the data report’s format and content, consult the Data Report Instructions and the subsequent section below.

G.4 Data Report on Regional Patterns

Craft a comprehensive analysis highlighting the variations in economic performance across different geographical regions. Begin by presenting a clear overview of the regional patterns and the significant factors shaping them. Integrate data visualizations—scatter plots, time series graphs, and any other relevant illustrations—to provide a clear depiction of the trends. Delve into a comparative analysis to reveal the nuances between different regions and the reasons behind them. Your report should not only describe the patterns but also evaluate their broader economic implications, shedding light on potential future trajectories and providing recommendations for stakeholders.

As preparation for this assignment, please work through the module chapters listed under the overview section above. Ensure your report adheres to the guidelines detailed in Data Report Instructions, which dictates the creation of two versions: official and internal. Upon completion, submit both versions on Blackboard.