
Course unit details:
Cross Section Econometrics
Unit code | ECON60052 |
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Credit rating | 15 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | Economics |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Aims
The aims of this course unit are to:
(i) introduce students to basic modeling techniques in the analysis of cross-section (survey) data;
(ii) develop these techniques to an advanced level;
(iii) provide sufficient background to enable students to read the applied literature in core journals which apply these techniques;
(iv) prepare students for a dissertation topic that analyses cross-section data
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit successful students will be able to:
(i) demonstrate an understanding of some of the problems associated with cross-section data, namely selection bias and causal effects, the consequences of unobserved heterogeneity, and how they might be addressed, namely via instrumental variables estimation, "sample selection" techniques, or using panel data;
(ii) understand and apply some standard techniques when modeling cross section data;
(iii) also understand and apply techniques such as regression discontinuity;
(iv) apply these techniques to real data using the computer package STATA;
(v) interpret STATA output correctly
Syllabus
(1) why multiple regression? Revision of the multiple regression model (W ch 2; AP ch 2; W chs 3-7)
(2) matching estimators (AP ch 3.3.1)
(3) inference and standard errors: heteroskedasticity and clustering (W ch8.1-8.3; AP ch 3.1.3, ch 8)
(4) pooling cross sections across time (W, ch13)
(5) advanced panel data methods (W, ch14)
(6) instrumental variables and 2SLS (W ch, ch17.1, AP ch 4)
(7) regression discontinuity designs (AP ch6; Lee&Lemieux RDD Designs in Economics)
(8) sample selection and Heckman’s two-step estimator (W, ch17.5)
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and tutorials
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Written exam | 100% |
Recommended reading
There is no one course text. The main texts are:
- Wooldridge, J.M. (2013) Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 5th ed., Cengage, (chapters 2,3,6-8,13-17).
- Angrist, J and Pischke, J-S. Mostly Harmless Econometrics, Princeton University Press (chapters 1-4, 6&7).
Students may note that the following cover the same or related topics.
- Cameron, C. and Trivedi, P. Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications, Cambridge.
- Cameron, C. and Trivedi, P. Microeconometrics using Stata Revised Edition, Stata Press.
- Verbeek, M. A Guide to Modern Econometrics, John Wiley, fourth ed (chapters 5-10).
- Angrist, J.D. and Pischke, J.S., 2014. Mastering metrics: The path from cause to effect. Princeton University Press.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 16 |
Tutorials | 7 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 127 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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James Lincoln | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Timetable
Lectures: Tuesday 3pm-5pm,
Tutorial: Friday 12pm-1pm,