Course 2012-2013 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31

CLMG (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - M (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - IM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - MM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - AFC (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - CLAPI (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - CLELI (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - ACME (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - DES-ESS (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05) - EMIT (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/05)

Course Director:
DIEGO JAVIER UBFAL

Course Objectives

This course covers econometric methods that are used to answer questions regarding real world problems using real world data. The goal is to provide students with the basic skills to perform rigorous estimation of the impact of governmental/aid agencies programs, to test the implications or the assumptions of microeconomic models and to understand empirical applications in development, labor, health, education, among others fields.

The course has mainly an applied focus, but theoretical material is broadly covered. Methods and econometric theory are discussed during lecture; each method is motivated by a series of empirical papers. Computer sessions and problem sets focus on applying the methods using real world data.

Course Content Summary

• The course will begin with a discussion about reduced form and structural form analysis, the counterfactual notion of causality and the differences between estimation and identification.
• The main methodological part will be devoted to estimation of causal relationships, including experimental and non-experimental techniques (matching, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity and panel data).
• If time permits, an introduction to structural estimation using maximum likelihood methods will be presented.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Problem sets (40%)

• One problem set per main topic. Approximately 5.
• All of them must be submitted, the lowest grade is dropped.
• Can be done in groups, but have to be submitted individually.
• Theoretical questions similar to the ones in final exam.
• Applied questions to solve in STATA or similar computer software.
• One might include a referee report.

 

 Presentation (10%)

• Depending on the number of students, individual or group presentation of one applied paper in the student’s field of interest.

 

 Final Exam (50%)

Textbooks

Textbooks:

The class doesn't follow one specific textbook, but the following ones can be excellent material to consult:

• A.C. Cameron, A. Colin, P.K. Trivedi, Microeconometrics. Methods and Applications. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2005
• A.C. Cameron, A. Colin, P.K. Trivedi, Microeconometrics Using Stata, Stata Press, 2009 
• J. Angrist, J. Pischke, Mostly Harmless Econometrics, Princeton University Press, 2009 
• J. Wooldridge, Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data, MIT Press, 2002 

Papers:

For each topic a list of recently published papers or working papers are provided. Recommended readings are announced before each class. Some of the papers are analyzed more in detail in the problem sets and computer sessions.

 

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

Students with a basic knowledge of econometrics or statistics will benefit more from the course. Basic knowledge on the use of STATA or similar computer software is also recommended, but not required.

Last change 12/06/2012 09:39