| Course title | Quasi Experiments in Development Economics |
|---|---|
| Course code | MRS/UGQE |
| Organizational form of instruction | Lecture + Exercise |
| Level of course | Master |
| Year of study | 1 |
| Semester | Summer |
| Number of ECTS credits | 6 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Status of course | Compulsory-optional |
| Form of instruction | Face-to-face |
| Work placements | This is not an internship |
| Recommended optional programme components | None |
| Lecturer(s) |
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| Course content |
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The course covers the following topics: - Randomized Controlled Trials - Difference-in-Differences - Instrumental Variables - Regression Discontinuity Design - 5 Matching - Standard error issues
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| Learning activities and teaching methods |
| unspecified |
| Learning outcomes |
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The course deals with common quasi-experimental approaches for measuring causal effects in developing economics. The content focuses on the distinction between correlation and causality and provides students with a statistical toolkit which will allow them to plan and conduct their own independent research. Special attention will be paid to the specific assumptions necessary for each technique to measure causal effects and common threats to identification (such as selection bias). The course will also train students in R, an open-source programming language that is increasingly used for econometric analysis. Students will learn how to use quasi-experimental techniques in a practical manner by solving assignments in R, writing a referee report, and presenting their own quasi-experimental research idea.
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| Prerequisites |
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unspecified
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| Assessment methods and criteria |
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unspecified
written exam |
| Recommended literature |
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| Study plans that include the course |
| Faculty | Study plan (Version) | Category of Branch/Specialization | Recommended semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty: Faculty of Science | Study plan (Version): Global Development Policy (2025) | Category: Social sciences | 1 | Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: Summer |