32918 - Econometrics Lab

Learning outcomes

Further improves (besides the related applied econometrics course) the student's ability in using the specialised software, also to better prepare the bachelor thesis.

Course contents

The aim of the course is to introduce students to applied economics and in particular to descriptive data analysis: the first step necessary  to read and interpret a phenomenon. Through simple case studies, students will learn the method to introduce and analyze a topic from an empirical descriptive point of view. The typical problems that arise in this type of work will then necessarily be addressed: the choice of the type of data that best describes the phenomenon, their availability, the choice between different sources, the robustness of the information, the processing needed to facilitate the reading and interpretation of the phenomenon. During the course there will be a brief presentation of the main databases available online, highlighting the main features of each of them.

Assessment methods

Attending the lessons is a prerequisite for taking the final examination. In the first two lessons a list of students who intend to follow the course and take the final examination will be collected. The test will consist of a short descriptive economic analysis (maximum five slides in power point) on an assigned topic that the student (or small group of students) will have prepared on their own, along the lines of the case studies presented and discussed during the lessons. Each student/small group of students will present their work in the classroom.

Office hours

See the website of Lorena Vincenzi