Description:

Overview
This course focuses on the most common econometric methods used to analyze causal questions with observational data, with a particular emphasis on quasi-experimental research designs. We will cover instrumental variable methods, regression discontinuity designs and difference-in-differences methods. The course addresses both basic and advanced issues related to these methods, with special attention to understanding and estimating models that allow for heterogeneous treatment effects. By the end of the course, students should understand the underlying assumptions under which particular econometric estimators are unbiased and/or consistent, and know which method to apply in specific empirical settings. Students should also be able to critically assess empirical studies published in top journals and implement the econometric techniques covered in the course using real data. The overall focus of the course is in the application of econometric techniques.
Content
1. Quasi-experimental research designs: Introduction, the Rubin Causal Model and various average treatment effects
2. Instrumental variable methods
3. Regression discontinuity designs
4. Difference-in-differences

Formalities:

Grading and ECTS
Course grades will be based on a replication exercise (70% of the final grade) and a class presentation (30% of the final grade). Active participation during class is expected. 6 ECTS points are granted for this course, meaning you have to invest approximately 180 hours of workload into this course. A substantial part is for your individual reading of the required literature and for thoroughly preparing your term paper.

Material:

• Syllabus_Applied_Econometrics.pdf (126 Ki, Last change 12.09.2025)