What do the Irish Know about Economics?

Abstract

We undertake a first benchmark study of economic literacy in Ireland using a panel of 700 adults to assess the economic knowledge of respondents. Sources of economic information are analysed and ranked in order of usefulness. Accuracy of response in each section is analysed across each demographic variable; variance in performance based on age, gender, education, work background and other factors is analysed thoroughly.

A comparative analysis is then undertaken in order to contrast the economic literacy of Ireland established through our representative sample with that already established through similar investigation of other jurisdictions.

Keywords: economic literacy, economic indicators, surveys, Ireland, economics

JEL Classification: A20