Applied Economics Teaching Resources

an AAEA Journal

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

Teaching and Educational Methods

Analyzing and Visualization of Data: A Team Project in an Undergraduate Course Evaluating Food Insecurity in U.S. Households

Yanhong Jin(a), Mattias Arrindell(a), Shannon Austin(a), Leann Benny(a), Jason Campbell(a), Qihong Chen(a), Lucas Fithian(a), Lynette Vasquez(a), and Julia Yi(b)
(a)Rutgers University, (b)East Brunswick High School

JEL Codes: JEL Codes: A22, C8, I30
Keywords: Food insecurity, data analytics, infographic, data visualization

Publish Date: September 17, 2024

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Abstract

This paper presents a case study that integrates data analysis and visualization in a team project introduced in an undergraduate course focusing on food, nutrition, and health. The project is guided by a Ten Steps framework proposed by the instructor, involving the establishment and self-evaluation of student learning goals, identification of research questions, selection of data sources and analytic tools, task allocation among students, data analysis, data visualization, and finalizing the overall project. Throughout this project, students gain valuable insights into (1) the prevalence and inequality of food insecurity in the United States; (2) practical skills in conducting data analysis; (3) effective visualization of research findings for impactful presentations; (4) cultivating advanced critical thinking and decision-making skills; (5) improving skills on teamwork, presentation, and communication, ultimately enhancing employability; and (6) gaining active and personalized learning experiences. The Ten Steps framework can be easily applied to team projects centered on data analysis and data visualization in undergraduate courses. The case study can be adapted for undergraduate courses in food security, food and nutrition, and agricultural economics.

About the Author: Yanhong Jin is a Professor at Rutgers University (Corresponding Email: mailto:yanhong.jin@rutgers.edu). Mattias Arrindell, Shannon Austin, Leann Benny, Jason Campbell, Qihong Chen, Lucas Fithian, and Lynette Vasquez are undergraduate students at Rutgers University who took the Food, Nutrition, and Health course from Dr. Yanhong Jin. Julia Yi is a high school senior at East Brunswick High School who participated in this team project .

Copyright is governed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA

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