EDPE+6023+Causal+Methods+for+Education+Policy++Research

Next offered
Fall 2013

Professor
Judith Scott-Clayton (TC)

Syllabus
Note: Syllabus is subject to change at the professor's discretion.

Course description
This doctoral course covers the design, implementation and interpretation of econometric methods used for evaluating causal relationships in education research. We will read and discuss applied methodological texts as well as journal articles using advanced causal methods. We will cover randomized experiments, natural experiments, differences-in-differences, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching. Goals of the course are for students to understand the conceptual underpinnings of each type of study design; to be able to critically evaluate particular studies utilizing of each approach; to gain first-hand experience in formulating causal questions and implementing a causal method; and to develop skills in communicating research designs and findings (in both written and presentation form). Students will be expected to complete all readings and prepare answers to discussion questions in advance of each class. Students will work in teams to replicate and extend a paper using these causal methods and will present findings to the class. The course is designed for second-year PhD students in the Economics and Education program; other doctoral students and advanced masters candidates with appropriate preparation are also welcome, space permitting.

Review
Not available

Student contact information
Not available