Course 2017-2018 a.y.

Classes: 20 (I sem.) - 21 (I sem.)

Instructors:
Class 20: GIOVANNI FATTORE, Class 21: SIMONE GHISLANDI

In this course students are introduced to the main concepts and methods that are used in social science research with a special focus on policy evaluation. The course trains students to design their own research projects and to identify the methods, techniques and data for their research questions. After completing this course, students have an overall understanding of the range of methodologies for data collection and analysis as well as the fundamentals for study design in the economic and social sciences.

• Validity of research designs: statistical, internal, construct and external validity.
• Sampling.
• Randomized experiments and generalized causal inference.
• Lab experiments in the social sciences.
• Regression and instrumental variables.
• Quasi-experiments.
• Double Difference and Discontinuity Regression.
• Social Network Analysis.
• Content Analysis.
• Systematic literature reviews and meta-analysis.

For attending students

• 30% team presentation of a research proposal.
• 70% final written exam.

For non attending students

• 30% individual research proposal.
• 70% final written exam.

• J.D. ANGRIST, J.S. PISCHKE, Mastering 'Metrics. The Path from Cause to effect, Princeton University Press, 2015.
• Additional reading material are made available at the beginning of the course.