OVERVIEW

The course goal is to familiarize students with the theory and use of quantitative methods in economics. The topics of the course are: the linear model and its generalizations; estimation and testing theory; econometric specification techniques and model selection problems; instrumental variables, models for qualitative variables and panel data. Such techniques are illustrated both theoretically and by means of empirical economic applications implemented using software such as Stata

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing the students with the basic tools of econometrics analysis and helping them to develop a way of thinking in quantitative terms. Without neglecting a proper discussion of the theoretical background, the course distinctly follows an applied approach. Indeed, by using advanced statistical software, the students will learn how to apply econometric techniques to a number of real-world case studies.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course student will be able to...

• Define the key elements of a basic econometric analysis.
• Select the relevant variables and the proper econometric methods.
• Recognize and test the main required assumptions for the validity of a specific estimation method.
• Compare and select the outcome of alternative econometric methods.
• Interpret the empirical results.

TEACHING METHODS

Faces to Faces lectures

Exercises

Attendance is not compulsory, however it is strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

First part

1.Linear Regression model​

2.Generalized Linear Regression Model

3.Parameter Instability

Second Part

4. Endogeneity and Instrumental Variables: GMM and 2SLS

5. Binary Dependent Variable: MLE,Logit and Probit

6. Panel Data: Random and Fixed effect

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A set of lecture notes and extra questions are available on “AulaWeb”.Students are strongly recommended to rely on these notes and attempt all the extra questions given. Students are very welcome to discuss the extra questions during office hours.

Suggested bibliography:

• W.H. Greene, Econometric Analysis, Prentice Hall
• M. Verbeek M., A Guide to Modern Econometrics, Wiley
• J.M. Wooldridge, Introductory Econometrics, Thomson

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SILVIO TRAVERSO (President)

ANNA BOTTASSO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

1° semester

14 september - 15 december 2021

Class schedule

ECONOMETRICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is written, and it is composed of "theoretical" questions, where deriving the main results discussed during the lessons, and "empirical", where discussing and interpreting some empirical results.

you can choose to do a general exam, or two partials (in the first two exam sessions): in the latter case, the final grade is the weighted average (50%) of the two partial.

You can also do a work group, that will provide you a bonus to add to the final grade of the exam ( within the first two exam session)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam aims to ascertain:

• the understanding of the theoretical foundations of the estimated models analyzed

• the ability to evaluate the most appropriate estimation model to use according to the research question and available data

• the capability to read and interpret the empirical results 

Group work aims to evaluate the application of the different contents learned, as well as the ability to work in a group and critical analysis

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

http://www.economia.unige.it/prg1516/ge/econometria.pdf