ECON 523

Credit: 4 hours.

Provides a solid foundation in modern econometric methods for causal analysis, with a focus on their applications to policy-relevant questions. Covers a wide range of approaches for identifying causal relationships, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, matching methods, difference-in-differences, synthetic control, regression discontinuity designs, instrumental variables, and local average treatment effects. Both theoretical underpinnings and practical application of each method are examined. By the semester’s end students will be critically equipped to assess, design, and evaluate causal inference strategies in applied economic research.

Prerequisite: ECON 508 or both ECON 502 and ECON 503.