Course content

The course addresses how specific empirical studies are accomplished, which methods that is relevant for different problems, and advantages and disadvantages of different empirical approaches. A series of empirical work with different economic problems, different characteristics of the data and different econometric methods will be examined. Considerations of reasonable approaches in the specific cases will be emphasised. Independent empirical work will be included in the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

You learn

• how researchers design the empirical studies of main issues in different fields within economics, including the formulation of econometric models and use of different econometric methods to reveal causal relationships
• what challenges are likely to occur when doing empirical studies in different data situations and how the credibility of empirical results can be investigated

Skills

You should

• be familiar with challenges and methods involved when designing empirical studies with the objective to reveal causal relationships
• be able to critically consider the credibility of results in specific empirical studies of different issues, research designs and data situations
• be able to apply modern econometric software for own empirical analysis based on different research designs and data situations

General competence

You should be able to

• read and understand reports and research articles using the concepts and methods discussed in the course
• use the content of the course in your own academic work

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures every week. The course has compulsory activity. Specific requirements will be announced at the beginning of the term. An independent econometric work will be included.

The course follows the teaching hours for SØK3514. Contact the department (kontakt@econ.ntnu.no) to get access to learning resources in Blackboard.

Approved compulsory activity applies to later semesters.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory course work

Recommended previous knowledge

Compulsory courses in Master's degree in Economics.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions