OVERVIEW

The course aims to introduce students to understanding and using econometric methods, with a particular focus on multiple linear regression. Various extensions of regression analysis will also be discussed, such as regression on longitudinal data, regression with binary dependent variables, and regression on time series data.

While not neglecting theoretical aspects, the course focuses on econometric intuition, with the primary goal of providing students with analytical tools that can be applied in practical contexts. Application examples are explored using the statistical software 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.

PREREQUISITES

Students must have passed the exams of Mathematics and Statistics.

In particular, familiarity with the following statistical concepts is necessary: hypothesis testing, T-tests, and F-tests, distributions, and probability density functions.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be held in person. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities  and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Serena Scotto (scotto@economia.unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Stock & Watson (2020) Introduction to Econometrics, fifth edition, Pearson.

• Introduction and Probability and Statistics Review (Chapters 1-3)
• Regression Analysis I (Chapters 4-7, 9)
• Regression Analysis II (Chapters 10-11, 14)
• Time Series (Chapters 15-16)

The course will include an introduction to the statistical software Stata and Stata Laboratories where students will learn how to apply the econometric methods empirically.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The course lessons are based on the fifth edition of the textbook "Introduction to Econometrics" by J.H. Stock and M.W. Watson (Pearson, 2020).

Slides used during the lectures, which complement the textbook, will be uploaded to AulaWeb, along with other teaching materials such as Stata scripts and data.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELENA LAGOMARSINO (President)

MAURIZIO CONTI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

1° semester

Class schedule

ECONOMETRICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be in written form and will last for 1.5 hours. It consists of three parts: the first involves commenting and elaborating on the results of a regression analysis, the second requires defining an econometric model to estimate a hypothetical relationship between two or more variables, and the third includes purely theoretical questions.

Attending students may choose to undertake a group project, which will be assigned during the semester. This project can contribute up to 3 additional points to the written exam evaluation.

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