This course takes the theoretical econometric tools students have learned in other courses and teaches students how to apply those techniques to real world problems and data. The course focuses on the concept of causal inference and the different techniques used to causally identify the effect of treatments on outcomes. Using economic data and modern computer software, students learn how to conduct empirical studies by replicating well known econometric analyses. The techniques covered are: Regression Discontinuity Design, Panel Data Methods, Difference in difference analysis, Instrumental Variables, Synthetic Control, Bootstrapping and Randomisation Inference. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. explain econometric concepts such as causality, endogeneity, confounding factors, selection, and simultaneity;
2. explain econometric techniques for estimating causal effects;
3. investigate the properties of econometric techniques using Monte Carlo simulation;
4. use statistical software to manage and analyse data;
5. carry out an empirical analysis of data using the econometric techniques discussed.

Research-Led Teaching

Based on all the econometrics tools previously studied, this course prepares students for applying the most appropriate econometric tools in empirical works, especially using

micro data. By explaining the advantages and potential problems of common identification strategies, students will develop a sense of how to make choices among different

strategies based on available data and economic research questions at hand.

Examination Material or equipment

Details about the material or equipment will be updated on course wattle, “Exams related” section

Required Resources

Students could either access STATA on computers on campus via internet, or can purchase a student copy of STATA.

Recommended Resources

There will not be designated textbooks, but the following books at the graduate level might be helpful:

· Handbook of Labor Economics, Vol 3A, Orley C. Ashenfelter and David Card, Chapter 23, Empirical Strategies in Labor Economics, by Joshua D. Angrist and Alan B.

Krueger (http://www.irs.princeton.edu/pubs/pdfs/401.pdf )

· Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications, by Cameron and Trivedi

· Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist’s Companion, Joshua D. Angrist and Jörn-Steffen Pischke, Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press

· Mastering Metrics, Joshua D. Angrist and Jörn-Steffen Pischke, Princeton and Oxford: Princeton University Press

All these materials are available either online or in the Chiffley Library.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

RSE has a Frequently Asked Questions page where you can find relevant policies and information on a broad range of topics https://www.rse.anu.edu.au/students/students/frequently-asked-questions/

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Data types by dimensions and sources	lab
2	Empirical micro-economics research: an overview	lab, possible quiz
3	Journal paper discussion (1): example(s) of descriptive approach	lab, assignment 1 due
4	Identification topic (1): choice of control variables	lab
5	Identification topic (2): Dif-Dif and fixed effect	lab
6	Journal paper discussion (2): example(s) of dif-dif	lab, assignment 2 due
7	Identification topic (3): instrumental variable approach	lab, possible quiz
8	Journal paper discussion (3): example(s) of IV	lab, possible quiz
9	Identification topic (4): regression discontinuity approach	lab, assignment 3 due
10	A more generalised perspective on IV: the concepts of LATE and ATT	lab
11	Propensity matching vs. regression	lab
12	Panel Data & Synthetic Control	lab
13	Examination period	final exam

Tutorial Registration

For remote learning students, tutorials/labs will be delivered remotely for this semester. For on campus students, face to face tutorial/lab might be arranged conditional on ANU policies regarding COVID19 policies. Signing up for a tutorial will be available on the Wattle site in O-week, when more details about tutorial can be found as well.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assignment 1: cross sectional data analysis	15 %	09/03/2021	23/03/2021	1.2.3.4
Assignment 2: panel data analysis	15 %	01/04/2021	20/04/2021	1.2.3.4
Assignment 3: regression specifications and interpretations	15 %	03/05/2021	17/05/2021	1.2.3.4
Final Exam	50 %	*	*	1.2.3.4
Online quizzes	5 %	*	*

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Due to travel restrictions this course will be largely delivered through online platforms. Aspects of the delivery will be asynchronous. However, there will be synchronous activities also taking place (both online and on campus). Details on the delivery of this course and expectations of student participation are outlined in further detail on the Wattle course site in O-week. Attendance at synchronous activities, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Examination(s)

There will be a formal final exam for this course delivered on-line. Details will be announced through Wattle.

Assessment Task 1

Assignment 1: cross sectional data analysis

Detailed assignment tasks for assignment 1 will be released by 2021-02-23.

1. Use Stata to summarise the cross sectional data provided and interpret your numeric answers.
2. Use Stata to address several open questions regarding individuals' behaviours.

This is an assignment to be done individually and handed in via Turnitin. ?More details will be provided on the class wattle site no later than 2 weeks before the assessment?.

Assessment Task 2

Assignment 2: panel data analysis

Detailed assignment tasks for assignment 2 will be released by 2021-03-12.

1. Use Stata to summarise the panel data provided and interpret your numeric answers.
2. Use Stata to create graphs to describe individuals' behaviour over time.

This is an assignment to be done individually and handed in via Turnitin. ?More details will be provided on the class wattle site no later than 2 weeks before the assessment?.

Assessment Task 3

Assignment 3: regression specifications and interpretations

Detailed assignment tasks for assignment 3 will be released by 2021-04-19.

• interpret the results and coefficients of several different regression specifications;
• propose a research question as required.

This is an assignment to be done individually and handed in via Turnitin. ?More details will be provided on the class wattle site no later than 2 weeks before the assessment?.

Assessment Task 4

Final Exam

Final exam will be held during the ANU Exam block at the end of the semester. The exam will be delivered online. The exam will cover all material delivered in lectures and tutorial over weeks 1-12. This is an exam to be done individually. More information will be made available in week 10 of semester on Wattle.

Assessment Task 5

Online quizzes

Throughout the semester there will be 2 online quizzes delivered through Wattle. These quizzes will be held in two of the three weeks (2, 7 and 8). They will cover material from the proceeding weeks lectures and tutorials. The wattle quiz will be available over a period of 3 days, however, the quiz, once started in only open for 1 hour. There will be 5 questions to be answered. They will be randomly assigned. Please also note that you will not be able to navigate backwards through the quiz and there is only one attempt allowed. No late submission accepted.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Through Turnitin

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students wish to resubmit some or all assignments will need to get the permission from the course convener

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students