Causal Inference and Evidence Based Policy Making
| Module title | Causal Inference and Evidence Based Policy Making |
|---|---|
| Module code | SPAM001 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Nitzan Peri-Rotem (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
The ability to assess a causal relationship between an intervention and an outcome is pertinent to policy making and policy evaluation. This module will discuss different theoretical and practical approaches to causality and cover research methods aimed at facilitating causal inference. You will learn about true and quasi-experimental designs and the advantages and limitations of each approach, as well as related ethical considerations. The module will also include hands-on lab sessions using R software. The assessment includes planning and conducting an empirical study aimed at addressing a given policy issue. Students taking this module should be familiar with basic techniques of regression analysis.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module will equip you with a set of tools to conduct an independent policy-oriented research. You will also gain an understanding of the criteria required for assessing causality and ability to critically assess existing policy studies and research findings.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Develop detailed understanding of key concepts and principles of causal inference
- 2. Understanding the principles of evidence based policy making and the policy process
- 3. Understanding the advantages and limitations of different research designs
- 4. Understanding the conditions for assessing causality and underlying assumptions
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Gaining knowledge of various research methods used for causal inference
- 6. Develop understanding of issues posed by evidence based decision-making and policy analysis
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Become familiar with a range of data analysis techniques
- 8. Planning and managing policy related research
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- Introduction to causal inference
- The policy process and evidence-based policy making
- Principles of research design
- Randomized controlled trials
- Introduction to Qualtrics
- Instrumental variable
- Difference-in-differences
- Regression Discontinuity Designs
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | 11 x 2 hours per week comprising of lectures and lab sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 38 | Reading and preparing for seminars (around 4-6 hours per week) |
| Guided Independent Study | 90 | Researching and writing assignments (researching, planning and writing the course work) |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical exercises x 2 | Short exercises to be completed in class | 1-7 | Peer and Oral feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research plan | 20 | 500 words | 1-8 | Written feedback |
| Research report | 80 | 3000 words | 1-8 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research plan (500 words) | Research plan (500 words) | 1-8 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Research report (3000 words) | Research report (3000 words) | 1-8 | Referral/Deferral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Angrist, Joshua D., and Jörn-Steffen Pischke (2009) “Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist’s Companion”, Princeton University Press
- Angrist, Joshua D., and Jörn-Steffen Pischke (2014) “Mastering ’Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect”, Princeton University Press.
- Goldthorpe, J. H. (2001). Causation, statistics, and sociology. European Sociological Review, 17(1): 1- 20.
- Llaudet, E. and Imai, K. (2023). Data Analysis for Social Science: A Friendly and Practical Introduction
- Stoker, G., & Evans, M. (Eds.). (2016). Evidence-based policy making in the social sciences. Bristol: Policy Press.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 28/03/2023 |
| Last revision date | 15/05/2023 |