Syllabus
EN
IT
Learning Objectives
This course is an introduction to research methods in the social sciences, with a focus on impact evaluation and experiments. Students will learn how to robustly design a research projects starting from specific research questions and select an appropriate methodology to collect the data.
FRANCESCA MARAZZI
Program
- Topic 1: Introduction: The Scientific Approach and Research in the Social Sciences
- Topic 2: Types of Data, Data Sources, and Causal Inference
- Topic 3: How to Evaluate: Randomized Assignment, Instrumental Variables, Matching, Difference-in-Differences, Randomized Control Trials
- Topic 4: Observing the Behavior of Economic Agents: Rational Models and Behavioral Economics. Why Economic Experiments?
- Topic 5: Choices Under Risk and Measuring Risk Aversion
- Experiments: Investment Game; Holt & Laury
- Topic 6: Strategic Risk and Social Preferences
- Experiment: Dictator and Ultimatum Games
- Topic 7: Public Good Games and the Voluntary Contribution Mechanism
- Experiment: Repeated Public Good Game
- Topic 8: Toolbox for Designing an Experiment
- Topic 9: Student Presentations
- Topic 2: Types of Data, Data Sources, and Causal Inference
- Topic 3: How to Evaluate: Randomized Assignment, Instrumental Variables, Matching, Difference-in-Differences, Randomized Control Trials
- Topic 4: Observing the Behavior of Economic Agents: Rational Models and Behavioral Economics. Why Economic Experiments?
- Topic 5: Choices Under Risk and Measuring Risk Aversion
- Experiments: Investment Game; Holt & Laury
- Topic 6: Strategic Risk and Social Preferences
- Experiment: Dictator and Ultimatum Games
- Topic 7: Public Good Games and the Voluntary Contribution Mechanism
- Experiment: Repeated Public Good Game
- Topic 8: Toolbox for Designing an Experiment
- Topic 9: Student Presentations
Books
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2016. Impact Evaluation in Practice. Seconda edizione. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 3 e 16
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2011. Impact Evaluation in Practice. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 4-8
Anglemyer A, Horvath HT, Bero L. 2013. Valutazione degli esiti sanitari valutati con disegni
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2011. Impact Evaluation in Practice. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 4-8
Anglemyer A, Horvath HT, Bero L. 2013. Valutazione degli esiti sanitari valutati con disegni
Teaching methods
You are expected to attend all course sessions. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss readings and other course material, and engage in activities that will deepen your understanding of course topics. Your participation grade will be based on: 1) attendance; and 2) the quality of your participation, including demonstrating you have thoughtfully completed the reading. We expect students to come prepared, and to be respectful, attentive, and actively engaged. In classroom discussions and activities are an integral part of this course, intended to be additional learning opportunities. If you must be absent at any point, please notify me via email as soon as possible, ideally before that course session begins.
Exam Rules
The class requirements include: in class participation and discussion; a research design paper based on anticipated (or hypothetical) research project and a presentation of your research design during the last week of classes.
Grading Summary:
Final grades will be determined as follows:
40% Research Design Paper
40% Research Design Presentation
20% Participation
Non-Attending Students:
30% Research Design Paper
70% Oral Exam
Non-attending students shall contact Prof Marazzi or Prof Piano Mortari well ahead of the exam date to receive instructions on textbooks and materials for preparing the oral exam.
Grading Summary:
Final grades will be determined as follows:
40% Research Design Paper
40% Research Design Presentation
20% Participation
Non-Attending Students:
30% Research Design Paper
70% Oral Exam
Non-attending students shall contact Prof Marazzi or Prof Piano Mortari well ahead of the exam date to receive instructions on textbooks and materials for preparing the oral exam.
ANDREA PIANO MORTARI
Books
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2016. Impact Evaluation in Practice. Seconda edizione. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 3 e 16
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2011. Impact Evaluation in Practice. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 4-8
Anglemyer A, Horvath HT, Bero L. 2013. Valutazione degli esiti sanitari valutati con disegni di studio osservazionali rispetto a quelli valutati in trial randomizzati. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, 1 Fascicolo 4. Art. No.: MR000034. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.MR000034.pub2.
Dohmen, T., Falk, A., Huffman, D., Sunde, U., Schupp, J., & Wagner, G. G. (2011). "Atteggiamenti individuali verso il rischio: misurazione, determinanti e conseguenze comportamentali." Journal of the European Economic Association, 9(3): 522-550
Thaler, R.H. (1988) "Anomalie: Il gioco dell'ultimatum." Journal of Economic Perspectives 2: 195–206
Fischbacher, U., Gächter, S., & Fehr, E. (2001). "Le persone sono condizionatamente cooperative? Evidenza da un esperimento sui beni pubblici." Economics Letters 71(3): 397-404
Gertler, Paul J., Sebastian Martinez, Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings, Christel M.J. Vermeersch. 2011. Impact Evaluation in Practice. World Bank Publications. Capitoli 4-8
Anglemyer A, Horvath HT, Bero L. 2013. Valutazione degli esiti sanitari valutati con disegni di studio osservazionali rispetto a quelli valutati in trial randomizzati. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, 1 Fascicolo 4. Art. No.: MR000034. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.MR000034.pub2.
Dohmen, T., Falk, A., Huffman, D., Sunde, U., Schupp, J., & Wagner, G. G. (2011). "Atteggiamenti individuali verso il rischio: misurazione, determinanti e conseguenze comportamentali." Journal of the European Economic Association, 9(3): 522-550
Thaler, R.H. (1988) "Anomalie: Il gioco dell'ultimatum." Journal of Economic Perspectives 2: 195–206
Fischbacher, U., Gächter, S., & Fehr, E. (2001). "Le persone sono condizionatamente cooperative? Evidenza da un esperimento sui beni pubblici." Economics Letters 71(3): 397-404