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Unit information: MRes Econometrics 2 in 2020/21

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Unit name MRes Econometrics 2
Unit code EFIMM0022
Credit points 15
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Professor. Gerard van den Berg
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

MRes Econometrics I

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Economics
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to continue the broadening and deepening of knowledge and understanding of econometrics begun in MRes Econometrics I. The unit will focus on microeconometrics, that is, the econometric analysis of samples of heterogeneous subjects (individuals, firms, households, schools etc.). Part of the unit covers inference using non-linear models, and part deals with the econometric evaluation of treatment effects and policy effects. The objective is to provide a thorough and in-depth discussion of the relevant concepts and to introduce fundamental analytic paradigms rigorously. The non-linear models that are discussed include duration (or survival) models, binary outcome models, count data models, and models with truncation or censoring. The evaluation of treatment effects focuses on dynamic settings. We discuss effects of hazard rates, propensity score methods based on conditional independence assumptions, and difference-in-differences. We build on the knowledge of panel data models and instrumental variable estimation from MRes Econometrics I. Applications will focus on unemployment durations, effects of labour market policy, training and longevity.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. The unit aims to build in students the ability to know, understand, and evaluate the various econometric tools and to apply them when undertaking novel research. Different methods invariably rely on different sets of assumptions, and after following the unit the student should be able to assess the plausibility of such assumptions before applying a method.

2. Moreover, the student must be able to grasp the intuition behind the workings of particular econometric methods, in order to assess their appeal and/or limitations and to develop ideas for methodological improvements.

3. The students should obtain sufficient foundational understanding of the topics to be able to access the corresponding journal articles first-hand and to evaluate them critically.

4. They should be able to start independent research projects with microeconometric data that require the methods taught, at basic levels.

5. Students will also learn the application of statistical software to these tools.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions such as online teaching for large and small group, face-to-face small group classes (where possible) and interactive learning activities

Assessment Information

Coursework (15%) and Onlline exam (85%)

Reading and References

Wooldridge J.M. (2010), Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data, (Fifth Ed.), MIT Press

Van den Berg, G.J. (2001), Duration models: specification, identification, and multiple durations, in: J.J. Heckman and E. Leamer, eds. Handbook of Econometrics, Volume V, North-Holland

Cameron, A.C. and P.K. Trivedi (2005), Microeconometrics, Methods and Applications, Cambridge University Press

Lancaster, T. (1990), Econometric Duration Analysis, Cambridge University Press

Greene, W. (2012), Econometric Analysis, (Seventh Ed.), Prentice Hall

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