Is It Possible to Apply Multidimensional Graphical Methods in The Teaching and Learning of Economics?

Abstract

This article explores the effectiveness of applying a new multidimensional graphical method to the teaching and learning of economics. In essence, the paper extends the significance of multi-dimensional graphs to study any economic phenomenon from a multidimensional perspective. The paper proposes the introduction of a new set of multidimensional coordinate spaces that should clearly and logically propose the effective visualization of complex and dynamic economic phenomena into the same graphical space and time with which the effectiveness of multidimensional graphs for real practical purposes can be evaluated. From the analyses carried out, which are based on both primary and secondary data sources, the article argues that multidimensional graphs can actually be evaluated to understand the degree of their effectiveness in visualizing economic problems affecting society on different levels. 1. The Evolution of Graphical Methods in Economics Research leading to this paper shows a strong link between the introduction of graphical methods in economics and the development of theories, methods and techniques in statistics and mathematics. In the 18 th century, for example, several new graphical methods were developed as a result of contemporary advances in mathematics and statistics research (Gordon, 1965). These graphical methods include line graphs of time series data (since 1724), curve fitting and interpolation (1760), measurement of error as a deviation from graphed line (1765), graphical analysis of periodic variation (1779), statistical mapping (1782), bar charts (1756) and printed coordinate paper (1794) (Beniger & Robyn, 1978). For the application of graphical methods in economic analysis, we can look to the renowned economists such as William Playfair (2005), Francis Ysidro Edgeworth (1888) and William Stanley Jevons (1862). According to Harro Maas (2005), William Playfair constructed a wonderful collection of plates and graphs at the end of the 18 th century. In his book entitled Commercial and Political Atlas, Playfair focused on the study of trade cycles. This placed him far ahead of other economists at the time in terms of visualizing socioeconomic data. The development of the usage of graphical methods in economics can be classified into two distinct phases.

Using Visual Representations to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Causal Relationships in Price

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