B2015 - ECONOMETRIC METHODS FOR POLICY EVALUATION

Learning outcomes

The course illustrates the most recent identification strategies for the quantitative assessment of causal effects using observational data by referring to micro-econometric applications. It will cover matching and difference-in-differences strategies, and quasi-experimental approaches to identification. At the end of the class, student will be able: - to critically understand the application of these tools in the recent empirical economic literature; - to apply these approaches to design his/her own program evaluation.

Course contents

The problem of causality

Causality in a regression framework

Instrumental variables

Panel data, difference-in-differences, synthetic control method

Regression discontinuity design

Prerequisites: very good knowledge of the standard (OLS) multiple regression model, basic knowledge of panel data, and knowledge of Stata

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes and papers at the Virtuale online platform

S. Cunningham, Causal Inference: The Mixtape

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, paper presentations, Stata programming

Assessment methods

Written exam. The maximum possible score is 30 cum laude. The grade is graduated as follows:

<18 failed

18-23 sufficient

24-27 good

28-30 very good

30 cum laude excellent

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides, textbook, Stata software

Office hours

See the website of Guglielmo Barone