The Influence of Teaching on Research in Economics

An extensive literature in education shows little relationship between teaching and research. Authors advance the notion that research enhances teaching, but they typically ignore the prospect of teaching enhancing research. We report the results of a survey of active researchers in economics who were asked if they could cite a specific instance in which their research was substantively influenced by their teaching. About 50% reported such an experience, with a further 35% indicating, without prompting, that their teaching had a very positive effect on their research in general. Their comments identify a variety of channels through which teaching influences research.