Econometric Methods in Impact Evaluation

GHP 228 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

The objective of this course is to provide students with a set of theoretical, econometric and reasoning skills to estimate the causal impact of one variable on another. Examples from the readings explore the causal effect of policies, laws, programs and natural experiments. We will go beyond estimating causal effects to analyze the channels through which the causal impact was likely achieved. The course will introduce students to a variety of econometric techniques in impact evaluation and a set of reasoning skills intended to help them become both a consumer and producer of applied empirical research. Students will learn to critically analyze evaluation research and to gauge how convincing the research is in identifying a causal impact. They will use these skills to develop an evaluation plan for a topic of their own, with the aim of stimulating ideas for dissertation research. This is a methods class that relies heavily on familiarity with regression analysis and econometrics. Coursework in econometrics is a pre-requisite for the course without exception. The course is intended for doctoral students who are finishing their course work and aims to help them transition into independent research. The aim of this course is to prepare doctoral students for the dissertation phase of their research and thus they will be given priority in enrollment. The course is also open to masters students, conditional on having adequate training and the course having enough space.

Pre-Requisites: Coursework in econometrics is required and some coursework in economics is beneficial but not strictly required. Some previous experience with regression analysis and applied economic research will be a huge advantage. Students seeing applied regression analysis for the first time in this course will most likely struggle with the reading.

Course Note: Students interested in taking this course must request instructor permission either by email (cohenj@hsph.harvard.edu) or via my.Harvard. Students will be notified of their status in advance of the first class. Please include the following information in your enrollment permission request: name, academic department, degree program and year, previous courses taken in economics and econometrics, any previous experience with impact evaluation, and the reason you want to take the course.

Students outside of HSPH must request instructor permission to enroll in this course.