Evaluate the economic principles of individual choice. Individual choice assumes that individual actions are motivated consciously or unconsciously by a series of factors. Factors include scarcity of resources, real cost of goods, price and opportunity. Read analysis of each of these factors as explained in a macroeconomics text book, such as Paul Krugman and Robin Wells' "Macroeconomics." Examine these factors. Relate these concepts to your personal purchasing decisions, such as why you chose the college you attended or motivations for purchasing a specific car model.
Assess the interdependence between individual actors in the economy. Create an interaction tree that shows how a random actor in the economy can have a far-reaching impact on the economy as a whole. For example, consider an individual who runs a paper mill. Identify the various interdependent relationships that stem from the trade of paper generated by the paper mill. The lumberjack, the saw blade manufacturer, the newspaper, the writer and the camera company are all dependent on either direct or indirect trade with the paper mill. Investigate these relationships by determining the purpose of each.
Evaluate motivations for trade relationships. Consider trade concepts such as "comparative advantage," which posit that it is advantageous for countries to trade with each other as it allows each to specialize in areas of excellence or to specialize in industries that make the most financial sense.
Identify key terms such as "business-cycle" that relate specifically to macroeconomics. Read the definition and explanation and attempt to relate these theories to practical applications.
Figure out why government spending is a key factor in macroeconomies. Assess where governments spend their money and what they spend it on. Evaluate the macroeconomic reasons that governments do or don't spend money on welfare programs. Examine how government policies impact the aggregate spending of individual actors.
Review the mechanisms that cause inflation. Read interpretations on monetary policies for adjusting the interest rate or devaluing the currency. Contemplate the principle that prices and wages do not immediately adjust to account for inflation, and are "sticky," as economists say.