Why do you want to do research in economics? Because it reveals to me how the world works. It is a fascinating idea to me that there are laws that govern the economic process that can be discovered.
Can you explain how your studies and experience make you suitable to do research in economics?
First, I am equipped with strong mathematical and academic skills, which is shown by my transcript. Second, I am curious about economic questions and self-motivated.
Which aspect of the PhD do you think you will like the most? Which will you dislike the most? Why? I like being supervised by an experienced researcher. I dislike courseworks. Because economics is really an inclusive and comprehensive subject. Required knowledge varies greatly for different research orientation. It seems to me, requiring all students, regardless of their research interests, to take uniform courses is not necessary.
Tell us about your favorite paper in economics. What do you like about it? How would you improve it? The Use of Knowledge in Society by F. A. Hayek. I like it because it is the first paper that shows to me how economists can transform the way we view the world around us. The paper is not quantitatively solid in today's view. It would be an improvement or complement if empirical evidence can be provided to support the ideas in the paper.
Write a comment for a general audience on the topic: Is culture an important determinant of differences in income per capita across countries? Yes. It has been shown by researchers that only a small portion of variations of income per capita across countries can be explained by capital accumulation, while differences in institutions and government policies account for a large
amount
of variations. The social infrastructure of a country is developed historically and is significantly influenced by the country's culture. The point is easily understood: culture influences the way people thinks. People with different cultural background tend to think in different ways, so they create different institutions and governments to solve the problems they face, and thus result in different economic outcomes.