The perception of quantitative and qualitative economics in tertiary institutions: A case study of the Department of Economics, Nigerian Army University Biu

Abstract

This study investigates the understanding of the concept of economics among 100 level and 200 level students at the department of Economics, Nigerian Army University Biu, Borno State, Nigeria. The descriptive research method and purposive sampling technique was adopted in which 74 students were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Despite the evidence that there was no variation in students’ perception of quantitative and qualitative economics, it was revealed that knowledge had improved for both groups as those in their second year had higher perception of the nature of economics than those students in their first year. There is also a greater agreement that economics should be both quantitative and qualitative and males are more knowledgeable in economics than females. There is need for improvement in the curriculum design to encourage simplicity in mathematical processes in economics. In addition, exercises at the end of each lecture will help students’ retentive memory of what is learnt in
class.