- Docente: Luca Trapin
- Credits: 10
- SSD: STAT-02/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Statistics, Economics and Business (cod. 6811)
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from Sep 14, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student has an in-depth knowledge of the problems and strategies of estimating statistical models of the behavior of micro-economic agents on the basis of individual data, especially with regard to the relationships between the data generating process and estimation methods, in phenomenal fields that pertain to consumption, production and processes of temporal duration. In particular, the student is able to: - master linear and maximum likelihood estimation techniques from individual sectional data - specify, estimate and discuss the results of models with panel data - specify, estimate and analyze duration models
Course contents
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Review of Probability and Algebra
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Linear Regression
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Multivariate Regression
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Endogeneity and Instrumental Variables
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Linear Regression for Panel Data
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Maximum Likelihood
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Discrete Choice Models
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Count Data Models
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Models for Censored and Truncated Data
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Duration Models
Readings/Bibliography
Main reference
- Course notes prepared by the instructor.
The course notes are the main reference for exam preparation and define the expected level of detail and depth.
Supplementary readings
- W. H. Greene, Econometric Analysis, Macmillan, London, 3rd edition, 2012.
Chapters: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 17, 18, 19. - B. E. Hansen, Econometrics, Princeton University Press.
Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 17.
These supplementary textbooks, written in English, may be used to explore the course topics in greater depth and to consult alternative explanations. They do not replace the course notes as the primary reference for exam preparation.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through lectures devoted to the presentation of the main econometric models, with particular attention to their assumptions, estimation procedures, the statistical properties of estimators, and methods of inference.
The lectures also include the discussion of empirical applications, estimation output, and diagnostic tests, with the aim of developing students’ ability to interpret results critically, identify possible model specification problems, and select the most appropriate model in different applied contexts.
Assessment methods
Learning outcomes are assessed through a written examination consisting of theoretical questions and an applied case study. The examination is designed to assess:
- knowledge of the main econometric models covered in the course and of their underlying assumptions;
- the ability to understand how the characteristics of the data-generating process affect the choice of model, estimator, and inferential procedure;
- the ability to derive and discuss the estimators considered in the course and to explain their main statistical properties;
- the ability to select the most appropriate model in different empirical settings and to justify that choice in light of the model assumptions and the results of diagnostic tests;
- the ability to interpret estimated coefficients, standard errors, confidence intervals, and statistical tests correctly;
- the ability to discuss empirical results critically, identifying possible problems of model misspecification, endogeneity, weak instruments, or violations of the model assumptions.
The assessment takes into account the theoretical and formal correctness of the answers, the completeness of the arguments, clarity of exposition, the quality of the derivations, and the ability to apply econometric tools critically to the cases presented.
The written examination consists of three questions:
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two open-ended questions on methodological aspects of the models discussed during the course;
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one question focused on the discussion of the results from a case study.
Each question is worth 10 points. The examination is considered passed with a total score of at least 18/30, provided that the student obtains a minimum of 6/10 on each question.
The duration of the examination is 150 minutes. The use of textbooks, notes, or electronic devices is not permitted.
Teaching tools
The slides used during lectures will be made available on the Virtuale platform. They follow the structure of the course and are intended to support classroom teaching, but do not provide a self-contained or comprehensive treatment of the course topics.
Theoretical arguments, derivations, and technical details are developed during lectures, including at the board, and are covered in the materials recommended for exam preparation. The slides alone are therefore not sufficient to achieve the level of preparation required for the examination.
A review handout covering the preliminary knowledge needed to follow the course will also be available on Virtuale. These topics, which students are expected to have encountered during their undergraduate studies or in the summer crash course, are treated as prerequisites and assumed to be known.
Office hours
See the website of Luca Trapin