The module provides students with an understanding of econometric techniques used when dealing with micro data, e.g., data on individuals, households etc. Such techniques are widely used in the social sciences to module things as diverse as marriage decisions, labour supply decisions or credit ratings. \ The module covers two broad topic areas: The first are techniques to infer causal relationship from observational data. We cover the conditions under which regression estimates identify causal relationships, as well as additional techniques that can be used when these conditions do not hold, i.e., matching, instrumental variables, fixed-effect panel data models, difference-in-differences and regressions discontinuity designs.\ The second part covers classical microeconometric methods for topics such as two-part decisions, ordinal data and other limited dependent variable models. We will cover models for binary and ordinal outcomes, models with skewed/sequential decision making, duration modelling and nonparametric and other flexible methods. \ \ For each topic we will also discuss how to implement these in standard statistical software. All of these topics are essential for understanding modern empirical research in many fields of the social sciences.

Outline Of Syllabus

Area 1: Causal inference and quasi-experimental methods:\ 1. Theoretical foundation: Rubin Causal model/potential outcomes, Directed Acyclic Graphs\ 2. Selection on observables: Regression and matching\ 3. Fixed effects\ 4. Difference-in-differences\ 5. Instrumental variables\ 6. Regression discontinuity designs\ \ Area 2: Applied microeconometrics: \ 1. Models for binary outcomes\ 2. Models for ordinal outcomes\ 3. Two-part and sample selection models\ 4. Duration analysis\ 5. Quantile regression and standard errors\ 6. Nonparametric methods

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Category	Activity	Number	Length	Student Hours	Comment
Guided Independent Study	Assessment preparation and completion	64	1:00	64:00	N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Lecture	14	2:00	28:00	PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities	Practical	8	1:00	8:00	Computer classes - PiP
Guided Independent Study	Directed research and reading	50	1:00	50:00	N/A
Guided Independent Study	Independent study	50	1:00	50:00	N/A
Total	200:00

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide an exhaustive and in-depth introduction to the core course material, and introduction to required techniques. Computer classes will teach the application of these methods with real world data. Private study facilitates review and understanding of lecture material.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Description	Semester	When Set	Percentage	Comment
Essay	2	M	100	4000 word reflection on use of techniques for own research.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Written report induces students to reflect upon the potential use of these techniques for their research.\ \ RESIT INFORMATION: If students are eligible to a second attempt resit will be an assignment and the resit calculation will be based 100% on the submission.

Reading Lists

NBS8563's Reading List

Timetable

Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
NBS8563's Timetable