A Crash Course in Design-Based Econometrics

ECS575 A Crash Course in Design-Based Econometrics

Autumn 2024

  • Topics

    A recent econometric literature has clarified key conceptual differences between "design-based" identification strategies, which leverage a specification of counterfactual exogenous shocks, and strategies that instead leverage restrictions on model unobservables (e.g. the popular "parallel trends" restriction). This course will review this literature and its main practical implications for empirical work. Topics will include design-based identification with formula (e.g. shift-share) instruments and treatments, negative weights in regression analysis, tricks to characterizing instrument compliers, and how a design-based approach can relax identifying assumptions in structural estimation.

  • Learning outcome

    Knowledge

    Upon completion of this course, the student can:

    • explain the practical implications when using design-based identification designs such as shift-share and identification designs based on parallel trend restrictions
    • interpret how a design-based approach can relax identifying assumptions in structural estimation

    Skills

    Upon completion of this course, the student can:

    • apply both design-based identification strategies and strategies that leverage restrictions on model unobservables in a practical setting

    General competence

    Upon completion of this course, the student can:

    • use practical tools for empirical work
    • communicate and discuss the relevant research with a peer audience

  • Teaching

    The course consists of four days of lectures and sessions for the students to present their own research.

  • Restricted access

    • PhD candidates at NHH.
    • PhD candidates at Norwegian institutions.
    • PhD candidates at other institutions.
    • PhD candidates from the ENGAGE.EU alliance.

    For more information about the application process, please visit our webpage:https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.nhh.no%252Fen%252Fstudy-programmes%252Fphd-programme-at-nhh%252Fphd-courses%252Fbecome-a-visiting-student-at-a-phd-course-at-nhh%252F&data=05%257C02%257CMaj-Brit.Iden%2540nhh.no%257Cd445423fb5d04dc1956a08dc95aca3d9%257C33a15b2f849941998d56f20b5aa91af2%257C0%257C0%257C638549815913057205%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C&sdata=YdArZPbZRLObzr3I%252BxzKlbCOcFj6VGvptteJ3AE%252BJZA%253D&reserved=0

    https://www.nhh.no/en/study-programmes/phd-programme-at-nhh/phd-courses/become-a-visiting-student-at-a- phd-course-at-nhh/ (copy url)

  • Recommended prerequisites

    None

  • Required prerequisites

    None

  • Credit reduction due to overlap

    None

  • Compulsory Activity

    Participation in class.

  • Assessment

    Individual assignment. The students will have two weeks to complete the assignment.

  • Grading Scale

    Pass/fail

  • Literature

    The complete reading list will be published in Leganto.

Overview

ECTS Credits
5
Teaching language
English.
Semester

Autumn. Offered autumn 2024. 

Course responsible

Professor Peter Hull, Brown University

Professor Aline Bütikofer, Department of Economics (contact person)