Building Research Skills Through Undergraduate Research Project on Local Community

This research aims to enhance economic research skills and stimulate students' interest in the local economy through data-based undergraduate research in entry-level economics courses. The authors developed two assignments and one student survey assessing students' learning outcomes and implemented them in two principle-level classes from Fall 2019 to Fall 2021. The survey responses confirmed that the assignments positively affected learning outcomes and increased student interest in local economic issues. More than 70% of students agreed that the assignments improved their research skills and enhanced their knowledge of economics. More than 60% of students agreed that the project increased their interest in the local economy. The study confirms the positive contribution of exposing students to the research culture early in their academic journey.