Topics in Empirical Economics II
| Module title | Topics in Empirical Economics II |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEEM149 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Ipek Mumcu (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 12 |
|---|
Module description
This is a graduate course in applied econometrics. The course will cover topics in behavioural, development and education economics focusing on both seminal contributions and recent advances.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module has two main aims: first, to equip you with the toolkit necessary to critically assess research on applied econometric questions; second, to inspire you to answer your own research questions using different types of econometric techniques.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. address complex questions at the frontier of behavioural, development and education economics research;
- 2. make sound judgments and communicate their conclusions to specialists and non-specialists.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving questions on behavioural, development and education economics;
- 4. continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. identify, tackle and solve relevant research problems in behavioural, development and education economics;
- 6. work independently and responsibly on complex research problems.
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to Field Experiments
- Randomization
- Measurement, Sampling and Sample Size
- Analysis
- Threat to Analysis
- Introduction to Quasi-Experimental Methods
- Instrumental Variables
- Regression Discontinuity
- Difference-in-Differences
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 33 | Lectures (3 per week) |
| Guided Independent Study | 117 | Reading, research, reflection; preparation for lectures; completion of assignments |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignments | Varies | 1-6 | Oral/Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 0 | 55 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replicating a study with an in-class presentation | 55 | Approx. 10 pages A4 | 1-6 | Verbal and written feedback |
| Assignment 1 | 15 | 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 | 1-6 | Verbal and written feedback |
| Assignment 2 | 15 | 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 | 1-6 | Verbal and written feedback |
| Assignment 3 | 15 | 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 | 1-6 | Verbal and written feedback |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replicating a study with an in-class presentation (55%) | Examination (3 hours, 55%) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Assignment 1 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | Assignment 1 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Assignment 2 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | Assignment 2 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral Period |
| Assignment 3 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | Assignment 3 - 1 Paper discussion 2-3 pages A4 (15%) | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Gerber, Alan S., and Donald P. Green. 2012. Field Experiments: Design, Analysis, and Interpretation. New York: W.W. Norton.
Rachel Glennerster & Kudzai Takavarasha, 2013. "Running Randomized Evaluations: A Practical Guide," Economics Books, Princeton University Press.
Joshua D. Angrist & Jörn-Steffen Pischke, 2009. "Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist's Companion," Economics Books, Princeton University Press
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | Only available to MRes Economics PhD pathway students |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/06/2019 |
| Last revision date | 01/03/2024 |
