WiSe 2026: Applied Econometrics for Policy Evaluation

Learning Goals

• Students understand the intuition, assumptions, and limitations of the most common contemporary methods of applied econometrics.
• Students can identify appropriate research designs and econometric methods for a given research question and empirical setting.
• Students can implement contemporary econometric methods using statistical software and critically assess assumptions and interpret the results.

Module Description

This course provides an overview over alternative econometric methods for discerning correlation from causal relationships. It focuses on how economists can use observational data to identify and estimate causal effects, with particular emphasis on research design, identifying assumptions, implementation, and critical assessment.

The weekly lectures cover five methods of modern applied econometrics: matching, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, difference-in-differences, and synthetic control. Biweekly exercise sessions provide hands-on practice of using R for data preparation and exploration, model estimation, model diagnostics, and critical interpretation.

For more details and schedule, see LSF.