Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis

The Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) is a campus-wide, multidisciplinary unit at Appalachian State University, housed in the Walker College of Business and under the research umbrella of RIEEE.

Mission

The mission of the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) is to improve policy and decision-making by producing rigorous research and disseminating relevant information on current economic and policy issues. To that end, CERPA maintains research programs in the specific areas of economic development, environment and energy, and experimental economics.

Programs

Economic Development

CERPA’s Economic Development Program facilitates research and policy analysis that promotes higher standards of living and improved economic and social conditions. The program addresses a wide range of economic and social issues, such as the urban-rural divide, higher education and tax incentives, but a particular area of interest is the intersection of environmental, energy and economic policy.

Experimental Economics

Experimental Economics applies the laboratory method of inquiry to better understand how society operates. Experiments, in the lab and in the field, allow for a more precise investigation of how individual, social and institutional characteristics influence individual behavior and aggregate outcomes. Consequently, the lab can serve as a wind tunnel for policy analysis to better predict the responses and outcomes of competing policies. Such policy simulation increases the power of the economic inquiry and policy analysis. Researchers apply the experimental method in the laboratory and the field, including survey experiments and randomized control trials.

Environment & Energy

The Environment & Energy Program promotes research and policy analysis on critical environmental and energy issues such as conservation and land-use policy, benefit-cost analysis of renewable energy, invasive species management, non-market valuation of green energy programs, and the impacts of climate change on the North Carolina coast. Researchers employ a diverse set of approaches with a comprehensive perspective that considers the interdependence of economics, energy and the environment.

Undergraduate Research

The CERPA Undergraduate Research Scholars Program is an undergraduate research program that provides exceptionally capable and well-motivated students an opportunity to participate in all phases of social, economic and policy research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. The program offers a comprehensive opportunity to more fully develop critical thinking and analytical skills, while also improving writing and presentation skills.

Appalachian Experimental Economics Laboratory (AppEEL)

CERPA maintains the Appalachian Experimental Economics Laboratory (AppEEL) as part of the experimental economics program. AppEEL supports experimental research that tests the validity of economic theories, examines the emerging questions of behavioral economics, and test-beds new market mechanisms and policies. AppEEL can improve predictions of policy outcomes by serving as a wind tunnel that reveals the responses and outcomes associated with alternative policies. The improved understanding and predictions enable decision-makers to implement policies that better achieve targeted outcomes.

The lab is located at 3021 Peacock Hall and consists of 20 subject stations, 2 server computers, and a 60 inch monitor and display system. The Online Recruitment System for Economic Experiments (ORSEE) is used to manage a subject pool that includes students and non-students. To receive email invitations for upcoming sessions, please register on the ORSEE website. For more information about AppEEL, please contact David Bruner at brunerdm@appstate.edu.

AppEEL Faculty

Questions?

For questions or additional information about CERPA or one of our projects and programs, please reach out to our director.

Ash Morgan
Room 3094, Peacock Hall
416 Howard Street
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
morganoa@appstate.edu
Phone: 828-262-2927
Fax: 828-262-6105