In this course, students will produce a substantial and original piece of research work based on replicating and extending an applied econometric case study. This will be structured with the goal of generating new knowledge while simultaneously aiding students in their ability to conduct and analyse research. The course will be built around recent empirical examples from applied econometrics. The course will both boost understanding of the use of econometric techniques and develop research skills in applied econometrics.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods in applied econometrics.
2. Critically analyse a series of case studies in applied econometrics.
3. Design and implement a substantial and original piece of research work through replicating and extending an applied econometric case study.
4. Use statistical software to apply econometric techniques to rigorously analyse real-world economic problems and to contribute to knowledge expansion.
5. Communicate research in applied econometrics in oral and written forms.

Recommended Resources

Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach

Author: Jeffrey Wooldridge

Publisher: South-Western/Cengage Learning

Mastering Metrics: The Path from Cause to Effect

Author: Joshua D. Angrist and Jorn-Steffen Pischke

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Staff Feedback

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

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

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

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture 1: Introduction of the course	Research methods preparation exercise
2	Lecture 2: Causal inference part 1 (randomised control trials) and discussion on selected case studies	None
3	Lecture 3: Causal inference part 2 (natural experiments and regression discontinuity) and discussion on selected case studies	None
4	Lecture 4: Causal inference part 3 (IV estimator and difference-in-difference estimation) and discussion on selected case studies	None
5	Lecture 5: Other econometric techniques and discussion on selected case studies	None
6	Presentation 1 (initial research plan)	None
7	Mid-term exam	Online exam for topics 2-5
8	Discussion and feedback on research project	None
9	Discussion and feedback on research project	None
10	Discussion and feedback on research project	None
11	Presentation 2 (final presentation)	Presentation on the findings of the research project.
12	Presentation 2 (final presentation)	Presentation on the findings of the research project.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Research methods preparation questions	10 %	22/03/2026	30/03/2026	1,4
Mid-semester exam	25 %	*	07/05/2026	2,3,4,5
Presentation 2	15 %	*	*	2,3,4,5
Research paper	50 %	04/06/2026	03/07/2026	1,2,,3,4,5

* 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 Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

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.

Assessment Task 1

Research methods preparation questions

Two sets of questions will be included in this exercise. They are designed to assess students' understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various research methods in applied econometrics, as well as their knowledge of statistical software commonly used in applied economics. The exercise will be assigned before Week 4 of the course and feedback will be provided at the beginning of week 6, before census date.

Assessment Task 2

Mid-semester exam

A mid-semester exam will be held in class during week 7 to assess understanding of econometric techniques discussed in the lectures.

Assessment Task 3

Presentation 2

An in-class presentation will be given by each student in weeks 11-12. This presentation will cover (1) identification of research question and literature review; (2) details of the data and economic model, econometric techniques and research findings. Verbal feedback will be given by the course convenor after the presentation. This research presentation is worth 15 per cent.

Assessment Task 4

Research paper

Students will choose a case study, replicate it, and produce a research paper which is a novel extension of the case study. The extension may involve using different time periods of data, data from other countries, examination of an additional research question using the same data, robust testing of results or some other research as agreed with the course convenor. The research paper will be written in a journal article style of around 3,000 words. It will be judged in the same way that a journal article is judged: scientific merit, replicability, clarity of expression, quality of writing, appropriate referencing and use of source material, appropriateness of technique relative to the research question, and thoroughness of presentation of research findings.

The ANU Crawford School of Public Policy's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment item.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community 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 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 University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

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 of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

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.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions 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.

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 Access 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 all ANU students