Syllabus

 Course: Introduction to Microeconometrics

 

Lecturers:

 Prof. Dr. Natalia Danzer

Prof. Dr. Jan Marcus

 

Bachelor in Economics

Module: Introduction to Microeconometrics (Einführung in die Mikroökonometrie)

 

Content & Aim of the Course

The aim of applied microeconometrics is to analyze individual behavior on the basis of micro data (cross-section and panel data of individuals, households, and firms) and to evaluate the effects of economic policies and interventions at the micro level. This course introduces students to modern microeconometric techniques and program evaluation methods aimed at estimating causal effects (treatment effects). The focus of this course is on applied work. Thus, we will present and discuss various applications in empirical microeconomics and policy evaluation. Students will also learn how to apply these methods in hands-on empirical exercises with real-world micro data, using the statistical software package STATA (FU students can download the free campus license via ZEDAT to their personal computers or use the computer lab).

 

Topics and Methods

1. Introduction
2. Causality & Counterfactuals: The Potential Outcomes Framework
3. Causal Graphs & Causal Language
4. Randomized Control Trials
5. Regression & Matching
6. Instrumental Variables Approach
7. Regression Discontinuity Design
8. Difference-in-Differences Approach

 

Main textbooks

• Angrist, Joshua, und J.-S. Pischke (2014). Mastering Metrics: The path from cause to effect. Princeton university press.
• Cunningham, S. (2021). Causal inference: The Mixtape. Yale University Press. https://mixtape.scunning.com/.
• Huntington-Klein, N. (2021). The Effect: An Introduction to Research Design and Causality. Chapman & Hall. https://theeffectbook.net/
• Angrist, J.D. & J.-S. Pische (2009). Mostly Harmless Econometrics: In Empiricist’s Companion. Princeton. Princeton University Press.
• Stock J, Watson MW (2018). Introduction to Econometrics. 4th ed. New York: Prentice Hall.
• Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. (2018). Introductory Econometrics. A Modern Approach. 7 ed. South-Western College Publishers.
• Kohler, U., Kreuter, F. (2008): Datenanalyse mit Stata. Oldenburg Verlag, München.

 

Date, time, location

Lectures: Thursdays, 16:00-18:00

Tutorials: Mondays, 12:00-14:00

 

Prerequisits & prior knowledge

Knowledge of statistical concepts at the level of the bachelor courses “Introduction to Statistics” and “Inferential Statistics” is assumed. Students will also benefit from having participated in the course on “Introduction to Econometrics”.

 

Anmeldung/Enrollment

Via Campus Management

 

Prüfungsleistung/Exam

Exam (120 minutes)

 

Kurssprache/Course language

The course language is English. The exam can be written in either English or German.

 

Contact

Prof. Dr. Natalia Danzer (natalia.danzer@fu-berlin.de)

Prof. Dr. Jan Marcus (jan.marcus@fu-berlin.de)