Acquiring Economic Notions: Profit

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Abstract
The study examines how an economic concept changes when children undergo different kinds of experiences simulated by means of tutorial and critical training. The final sample was composed of 68 third-grade Italian children, subdivided into a control group (given only a pre and post-test interview about buying and selling) and three experimental groups which were taught, by some different training procedures, that the shopkeeper can earn a profit by selling goods at a price higher than that which he paid for them. Results showed that experimental groups progressed, but not dramatically. An analysis of children's reactions during critical training pinpointed some difficulties that must be overcome in order to acquire the notion of profit.