Applied Microeconomics I

Catalog description

The first course in the applied micro sequence, covering the main statistical tools and questions in the field. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach, with analysis of primary data to replicate and extend existing research papers. It will implement and evaluate the core methods used in modern regression analysis for identifying causal effects: difference-in-differences, regression discontinuities and bunching, instrumental variables, and experiments. It will cover iconic papers in the field (such as those which measure the causal effects of education on earnings, or uncover labor supply elasticities), as well as frontier research projects in a variety of subfields, including innovation, migration, economic development, and economic history.