This course builds on the theoretical econometric tools students have learned in other courses, teaching them how to properly use these tools to address economic questions using real data. It begins with data set evaluation and research design, then examines the pros and cons of various causal identification techniques, such as difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, panel data methods, and instrumental variables. Both classic and recent academic journal articles will be used to investigate how various econometric tools are incorporated with data to examine economic questions.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the features of commonly used data types and sampling schemes.
2. Explain the major types of empirical research and the main aspects of empirical strategies.
3. Explain econometric techniques for estimating causal effects.
4. Use statistical software for data management and analysis.
5. Conduct an empirical analysis of data using relevant microeconometric techniques.
6. Interpret the findings in an empirical analysis and discuss caveats and potential problems.

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.

Required Resources

Students could either access STATA on computers on campus, or can get a student copy of STATA for free with instructions to be announced on course wattle.

Recommended Resources

There will not be designated textbooks, but the following books 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 the whole class
• to groups
• to individuals

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

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	recording review & discussion session, quiz
2	Empirical micro-economics research: an overview	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
3	Journal paper discussion (1): example(s) of descriptive approach	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
4	Identification topic (1): choice of control variables	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
5	Identification topic (2): Dif-Dif and fixed effect	recording review & discussion session, computer lab
6	Journal paper discussion (2): example(s) of Dif-Dif	recording review & discussion session, quiz
7	Identification topic (3): instrumental variable (IV) approach	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
8	Journal paper discussion (3): example(s) of IV	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
9	Identification topic (4): regression discontinuity approach	recording review & discussion session, computer lab, quiz
10	Beyond constant coefficient model, matching and propensity score, X1B2 decomposition	recording review & discussion session, computer lab
11	Interpreting IV estimator (LATE, ATT), refutability and big data analysis	recording review & discussion session
12	Composition, cohort and distributional effects	recording review & discussion session
13	Examination period	final exam

Tutorial Registration

Interactive computer labs will be held on campus on week 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10. ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage. https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling].

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Online quizzes	64 %	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Final Exam	36 %	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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

Lectures for EMET6001 will be delivered online pre-recorded.

Both recording review & discussion sessions and computer labs for the course are only available on campus. 

Attendance at live 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 campus. Details will be announced through Wattle.

Assessment Task 1

Online quizzes

Throughout the semester there will be 8 online quizzes delivered through Wattle. These quizzes will be held in week 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. They will cover material from the preceding weeks lectures and computer labs. The wattle quiz will be available over a period of 3 days (Wednesday 5pm to Saturday 5pm), however, the quiz, once started will only open for 90 minutes. Please also note that only one attempt allowed. No late submission accepted. Written feedback will be given on all quizzes, with more detailed feedback available in the consultation times. If a student misses some quizzes for an ex ante approved legitimate reason(s), the grades will be re-weighted. For example, if every of the eight quizzes counts 8 marks and a student missed one quiz due to an approved legitimate reason, then each of the remaining seven quizzes will count 8*8/7 marks.

Assessment Task 2

Final Exam

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

The final exam has a hurdle requirement. In order to pass the course, you must pass the final exam in line with student assessment coursework policy (see https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004603 ), regardless of your performance in the other assessment items.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Through wattle

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students