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How Do I Choose the Best Microeconomics Books?
Those interested in learning more about microeconomics are wise to choose the best microeconomics books to help them on their quest for knowledge. The best microeconomics books will be relevant, clear, interesting and up to date with current theories in the field. Microeconomics books should also be at the level of understanding of those who wish to learn more about the subject, and be chosen based upon the needs for learning.
Microeconomics is a branch of economics that studies how people make decisions about the allocation of resources, and is a major part of learning about economics in general. The best microeconomics books focus specifically on the subject of microeconomics. When microeconomics is only one part of the book, much of the important theories and information is lost. In addition, the author of the book should attempt to make the subject matter interesting for the readers by using relevant examples that the reader can relate to and understand. When a book is written specifically about theory, it can be boring and difficult to read, so individuals should choose books that excite them.
Information presented in the best microeconomics books includes current research and theories in the field. Older books can contain a different perspective if that is what the reader is looking for, but to really understand microeconomics currently, it is important to have up-to-date information. Books should contain a historical perspective so that the reader can understand where the theories came from, but newer books are generally easier to understand and relate to.
Microeconomics books come in a variety of levels of understanding. Advanced microeconomics contains much more complicated information than a basic beginner's level book, so the books need to be chosen according to the reader's previous knowledge of the subject matter. If an individual has never learned about microeconomics, a beginner's level book would be more appropriate than a highly advanced book that would likely be too difficult to understand. Alternatively, an individual who has studied a lot of economics would likely be bored by a book that does not challenge his previous knowledge.
Some microeconomics books are required for courses in colleges and universities. If this is the case, the best book would be the one recommended by the instructor of the class. While other books might contain a lot of the same information, it is important to be able to follow along with the class readings.
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![Information presented in the best microeconomics books includes current research and theories in the field.]()
By: Chris TefmeInformation presented in the best microeconomics books includes current research and theories in the field.
Discussion Comments
@NathanG - I agree. What I liked most about microeconomics was that it made us think about prevailing consumer actions as well as the so called political wisdom of the day.
For example, we examined not only the behavior of individual households but also of firms as well. We looked at case studies of modern day monopolies, hot button political issues like school vouchers, and the buying and selling of illegal drugs, and in each case looked at these issues from an economic perspective.
That’s what makes microeconomics interesting and a good text should abound with examples, in addition to the theory that is presented. In other words, it should force you to think about everyday events and look at them in a new light.
Since microeconomics is the study of economics on a more granular level, dealing with consumer decisions and so forth, I would expect these books would have a lot of anecdotes and other real life illustrations.
To me, this is what would make the book accessible to the average reader. I want real life case studies, from what box of cereal that I buy to how people behave in a recession or some other economic cycle.
There should certainly be some theory to be sure, but I would want to see how those theories get validated – or contradicted – by plenty of real life case studies. For me, anyway, that would be a big selling point for any good microeconomics book.
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