Question

the study of economics involves looking at

Answer 1

Well everything.
Economists have conducted so varied experiments that it may dazzle some.
For example, I think there was a study around 1980s (as far as I know) about how the seat belt law enactment affected road accident deaths.Surprising result was that the number of drivers who died did not change much,after enactment of law,but the number of pedestrians deaths,involved in accidents,rose.And this was because of one the fundamental principles of economics which is 'People respond to incentives'.(After seat belt law drivers didnt have incentive to drive slow because probability of dying after accident was relatively less because of seat belt.In general people started driving faster and this lead to more pedestrian deaths. Atleast this is what the economist who conducted the study thinks)
But primarily,in everything one tries to see forces of demand and supply.

I am also a student.Therefore ,get my answer verified before proceeding with it ,since I may be wrong at some areas.