Corsi di Studio del Dipartimento di Economia e Statistica "Cognetti de Martiis"

Although there are no formal pre-requisites, the course uses the tools of econometrics, which are taken for granted.
Although the course is taught in the same semester as the Econometrics course, it takes place in the second half-semester, in order to coordinate the topics covered and used in the two courses. It is obviously necessary that those who choose to attend Policy Evaluation study and master the topics of the Econometrics course as soon as they are presented.

The course contributes to the realization of the educational project of the course of study by providing the basic knowledge of the evaluation methods of the policies, as well as the programs and interventions in the field for example of NGOs or international institutions, focusing on the econometric tools that allow to measure their impacts in a causal sense.

 

At the end of the course the student will know which method to apply in the different contexts and the hypotheses necessary to apply the methods presented. S/He will also have assimilated the basic knowledge to be used to make an estimate with real data, and to correctly interpret the results. Finally, s/he will be able to read the literature that uses impact evaluation, at least in its essential features.

 

What: ATE vs ATT vs LATE

Methods (econometrics):

Randomized Trials (OLS)

Difference in differences (OLS)

Regression Discontinuity Design (OLS, IV)

Matching methods (Mahalanobis, logit)

 

The course takes place in the second half of the second semester, in presence.

For each evaluation method:

1. Frontal lessons: evaluation methods, internal and external validity
2. Applications: estimation in the computer lab with real data.

 

Oral exam, supplemented (optionally) by a short report on an application.

 

Office hours

 

Additional materials provided by the lecturer