Description:
Causal inference has become the predominant toolbox in empirical research. The aim of this course is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of microeconometric methods that allow to draw causal inference in many settings and discuss the most-recent advances. The course will have a block-structure where we first discuss causality based on the potential outcome framework. After a brief discussion of experimental methods, we will introduce different popular quasi-experimental methods such as matching, difference-in-differences, instrumental variables or regression discontinuity. We will discuss the identifying assumptions and the pros and cons of each method based on empirical examples.
In the theoretical sessions, a pre-selected group of students will present their take on the main points of the course material (reverse classroom format). In this presentation, students are asked to summarize the content of the handout in 15-20 minutes and to prepare some questions on the material for the rest of the group.
The theoretical sessions will be complemented by practical sessions where the estimators will be implemented in STATA. Students will be provided with problem sets during the semester accompanying the topics covered in the theoretical sessions. Students are asked to solve the problem sets at home. Randomly selected groups of students will be asked to present their solutions for the problem sets and discuss their solution strategy and results with the other participants during the practical sessions.
Topics:
Literature:
Paper-based. For an introduction, see Imbens G, Wooldridge J. (2009): Recent Developments in the Econometrics of Program Evaluation. Journal of Economic Literature, 2009;47(1):5-86.
Time:
The course will be held weekly between April 8 and July 19, 2024, during the semester. The course contains both theory and practical sessions. There will be optional Zoom - office hours on Mondays. Theoretical & Practical Sessions alternating on Tuesdays, 10-12am (each week during the semester, April 8 – July 19) in person (no hybrid option).
(Optional: Office Hour/ STATA Help on Mondays, 11-12am via Zoom)
Venue:
University of Potsdam, Campus Griebnitzsee, room 3.06.H06
Exam:
Oral presentations in theoretical and practical sessions and written exam (90 min); all parts have to be passed in order to pass the course.
Registration:
PhD students are asked to register by April 5 via huber3@uni-potsdam.de.
Updated course information will be available by end of March under https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/empwifo/studium-lehre/aktuelles-semester.html.
