IB Economics Internal Assessment Topics

Are you on the hunt for that perfect Internal Assessment topic that’ll not only pique your interest but also impress your teachers? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of 100 IB Economics Internal Assessment topics that are sure to spark your curiosity and help you explore the fascinating world of economics.

From exploring the impact of price changes on your favorite chocolate bar to analyzing the economic consequences of environmental policies, there’s something here for everyone.

List of Economics IA Topics

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into this treasure trove of topics!

Microeconomics

1. How does a change in the price of smartphones affect the demand and supply in your local market?
2. What factors influence the price elasticity of demand for fast food products in your region?
3. How do changes in minimum wage laws impact employment levels in specific industries?
4. What are the determinants of consumer preferences for organic vs. non-organic food products in your area?
5. To what extent does government intervention influence the equilibrium price and quantity in the housing market in your city?

Macroeconomics

6. How do changes in government spending and taxation policies affect GDP growth in your country?
7. What is the relationship between inflation and economic growth in your national economy?
8. How effective is monetary policy in controlling inflation rates in your region?
9. What are the economic consequences of a country joining or leaving a regional economic bloc?
10. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the labor market and GDP in your nation?

International Economics

11. What factors contribute to the balance of trade between your country and its major trading partner?
12. How do tariffs and trade barriers affect international trade and the domestic economy?
13. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed exchange rate system in your country?
14. How does currency devaluation impact a country’s exports and imports?
15. What were the economic ramifications of a recent trade dispute between two major economies?

Development Economics

16. What are the causes and consequences of income inequality in a specific developing nation?
17. How does foreign aid influence economic development in a particular region?
18. To what extent do microfinance institutions promote entrepreneurship and poverty reduction?
19. What is the relationship between education and economic growth in a developing country?
20. How can sustainable development goals (SDGs) address economic challenges and opportunities?

Behavioral Economics

21. How do cognitive biases influence consumer decision-making in the purchase of electronic gadgets?
22. Can nudge policies effectively shape consumer choices and improve overall welfare?
23. What behavioral factors contribute to stock market bubbles and crashes?
24. How successful are government policies in encouraging sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices?
25. What is the impact of social media and online advertising on consumer behavior and preferences?

Environmental Economics

26. How do carbon pricing mechanisms (e.g., carbon taxes) impact economic costs and benefits in your country?
27. What are the economic consequences of deforestation and habitat destruction in a specific region?
28. How effective are economic incentives in promoting renewable energy adoption?
29. What is the economic impact of pollution control policies on industry profitability?
30. How does climate change affect agriculture and food security in vulnerable regions?

Market Structures and Competition

31. To what extent does a monopoly affect consumer welfare in a specific industry?
32. How does the behavior of firms in an oligopoly market influence pricing and output?
33. What are the effects of government regulations on monopolistic competition in a particular sector?
34. How does advertising and branding shape consumer preferences in a competitive market?
35. What are the economic consequences of mergers and acquisitions in a specific industry?

Labor Economics

36. How do changes in minimum wage laws affect the labor force participation rates of teenagers in your region?
37. What factors influence wage disparities between men and women in a specific profession?
38. How does globalization impact job opportunities and income inequality in your country?
39. What are the economic effects of automation and artificial intelligence on employment in a particular sector?
40. How do labor market policies influence youth unemployment rates in your nation?

Health Economics

41. What factors contribute to the rising healthcare costs in your country’s healthcare system?
42. How does healthcare access and affordability impact the overall health outcomes of citizens?
43. What is the economic impact of a government-funded public health campaign on disease prevention?
44. How do different healthcare financing models (e.g., single-payer vs. private insurance) affect healthcare quality and equity?
45. How does the pharmaceutical industry influence drug pricing and availability?

Education Economics

46. What factors affect the funding disparities between public and private schools in your region?
47. How does educational attainment impact future earning potential and income distribution?
48. What is the economic impact of teacher salaries on the quality of education in your country?
49. How do government policies promoting online education affect traditional brick-and-mortar schools?
50. How can economic principles be applied to improve the efficiency of educational resource allocation?

Transportation Economics

51. What factors contribute to congestion pricing effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion in a specific city?
52. How does the pricing strategy of ride-sharing companies influence public transportation usage?
53. What is the economic impact of investments in public transportation infrastructure on urban development?
54. How do fuel taxes and subsidies affect the choice of fuel-efficient vehicles in your country?
55. How do airline pricing strategies impact consumer choices and airline profitability?

Agricultural Economics

56. What factors affect the price volatility of agricultural commodities in global markets?
57. How does government support for farmers impact agricultural productivity and income distribution?
58. What is the economic impact of climate change on crop yields and food prices?
59. How do agricultural subsidies affect the competitiveness of domestic vs. international agriculture?
60. What are the economic implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?

Financial Economics

61. How do changes in interest rates influence investment decisions in the stock market?
62. What factors contribute to the volatility of cryptocurrency prices and their adoption as an investment?
63. What is the relationship between financial market regulation and market stability?
64. How do financial institutions assess and manage risks in their lending practices?
65. What is the impact of fiscal policies on stock market performance and investor sentiment?

Housing Economics

66. How do changes in mortgage interest rates affect housing demand and prices in your city?
67. What factors contribute to the housing affordability crisis in metropolitan areas?
68. How does government housing policy influence residential real estate development and construction?
69. What is the economic impact of short-term rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb) on housing markets?
70. How do zoning regulations affect the supply and diversity of housing options in urban areas?

Consumer Behavior

71. How do cultural and social factors influence consumer preferences for luxury vs. non-luxury goods?
72. What are the economic implications of product differentiation and brand loyalty in a specific industry?
73. How does price discrimination affect consumer surplus and producer profit in a particular market?
74. How do online reviews and ratings influence consumer purchasing decisions in e-commerce?
75. What is the impact of advertising and marketing strategies on consumer buying behavior?

Energy Economics

76. What factors influence the price elasticity of demand for electricity in your region?
77. How does government policy promote or hinder the transition to renewable energy sources?
78. What are the economic consequences of energy subsidies and their impact on the energy market?
79. How do energy conservation measures affect the profitability of energy-intensive industries?
80. How does the global energy market affect energy security and geopolitics?

Trade and Globalization

81. What are the economic implications of trade liberalization on the agricultural sector in a specific country?
82. How does globalization influence the competitiveness of domestic vs. international industries?
83. What is the economic impact of trade agreements (e.g., NAFTA, CETA) on international trade patterns?
84. How do trade restrictions (e.g., embargoes, sanctions) affect a nation’s economy and global trade relationships?
85. What role does foreign direct investment (FDI) play in shaping international business and economic development?

Taxation and Fiscal Policy

86. How does the tax system impact income distribution and wealth inequality in your nation?
87. What are the economic consequences of a value-added tax (VAT) compared to a sales tax?
88. How do changes in corporate tax rates influence business investment and economic growth?
89. What is the relationship between government spending on infrastructure projects and job creation?
90. How does a progressive income tax system affect incentives for higher income individuals?

Innovation and Technology

91. How does government investment in research and development (R&D) impact technological innovation and economic growth?
92. What are the economic implications of intellectual property protection on innovation and competition?
93. How does the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) influence various industries?
94. What factors contribute to the digital divide and disparities in access to technology?
95. What is the economic impact of the gig economy and platform-based work on labor markets?

Monetary Policy

96. How do central bank policies, such as quantitative easing, affect interest rates and inflation?
97. What is the relationship between interest rates and consumer spending in your country?
98. How does a central bank’s decision to raise or lower interest rates influence the exchange rate?
99. What are the economic consequences of negative interest rates on savings and investment?
100. How does forward guidance by central banks affect financial market expectations and investment decisions?

Wrapping Up

And there you have it, folks – 100 IB Economics Internal Assessment topics that are bound to get those economic gears turning in your head! Whether you’re passionate about understanding market dynamics or curious about the role of government in the economy, this list has got you covered.

You can also be interested in this article with a list of IB Economics EE topic ideas:

IB Economics Extended Essay Topics and RQs

Remember, the key to a great IA is choosing a topic that resonates with you and allows you to showcase your economic analysis skills. So, pick a topic that excites you, roll up your sleeves, and start an economic adventure that’s sure to be both challenging and rewarding.