Maths EPQ ideas: maths in economics, finance and society

Game theory, interest, tax, inequality and voting: questions people argue about, where mathematics can settle part of the argument.

Tip. Use official figures with the date and source, and keep your politics out of the analysis.

9 ideas

Game theory and cooperationCan game theory explain why rival firms or countries fail to cooperate?Economics and societySolidDissertation
What a student loan really costsHow much will a student loan really cost? Modelling repayments over a working lifeEconomics and societyAccessibleDissertation or artefact
How inflation is measuredHow is inflation measured, and does the official figure reflect what students actually spend?Economics and societyAccessibleDissertation
Pricing an option with probabilityHow can probability put a fair price on a financial option?Economics and societyAmbitiousDissertation
The Kelly criterion: how much to riskHow much should you risk on a favourable bet? The Kelly criterion and the mathematics of growthEconomics and societySolidDissertation
Which auction raises the most?Which auction design raises the most money? Comparing first-price and second-price auctionsEconomics and societyAmbitiousDissertation
How progressive is UK income tax?How progressive is the UK income tax system once National Insurance is included?Economics and societyAccessibleDissertation
Measuring inequality with the Gini coefficientHow well does the Gini coefficient measure inequality?Economics and societySolidDissertation
Which voting system is fairest?Which voting system is fairest? Testing first past the post against the alternativesEconomics and societySolidDissertation

Frequently asked questions

Is maths in economics, finance and society a good area for a maths EPQ?

It can be, if you narrow it to one question you can answer with mathematics you understand and evidence you can find. Use official figures with the date and source, and keep your politics out of the analysis.

Can I use one of these titles as it is?

Use it as a starting point. Change the case, the data or the comparison until the title is your own, and agree it with your supervisor before you start.

Other areas: Pure · Modelling · Statistics · History and philosophy · Computer science · Physics and engineering · Biology and medicine · Music, art and sport · Artefacts

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