Undergraduate students’ economic literacy, knowledge of the country’s economic performance and opinions regarding appropriate economic policies

Abstract

Based on a survey of more than 400 students at the University of Minho in Portugal, we analyse the relationship of (1) basic economic literacy, (2) knowledge of the country’s economic performance, and (3) opinions regarding appropriate economic policies, with previous economic training, and other socioeconomic variables. The results clearly show that economic training has a positive influence on students’ economic literacy and knowledge of the country’s current economic data and conditions. It also influences their assessment of how economic policy should be conducted. We argue that more training in Economics, both at the high school and university levels, is necessary to improve citizens’ knowledge for making personal and social decisions on economic issues. This recommendation is particularly relevant for countries that recently underwent deep economic crises.