statistics paper
The aim of the term paper is to train students to apply the econometric tools in an empirical study in economics so that students are well prepared for future learning and researching in economics.
Structure of Project
An econometric project should include the following critical components:
_ Selecting an area for research (micro, macro, labour, development, health, environmental, and financial econometrics, for example)
_ Posing a well-defined research question based on the survey of the relevant literature or the domain knowledge
_ Proposing a hypothesis that gives an answer to the research question
_ Collecting relevant data which contain valid variables of interest
_ Examining the data with appropriate statistical and econometric tools
_ Making statistical inference about the hypothesis
_ Making forecasting/prediction based on the chosen econometric model
_ Discussing the limitations of the research and future possible extensions
Requirements
The term paper should be organized as follows:
_ Page 1: Title page
Including course and student information (Name, Banner number), your project title
and a concise abstract (less than 150 words).
_ Page 2-7: Text
Formal academic composition with a 6-page limit, 12 point font, and 1.5 line spacing.
The text should NOT include tables or figures.
Suggested Sections:
{ Section 1: Introduction (0.5 page to 1 page). What is your hypothesis? What is
the background? Why are you interested in this hypothesis (motivation)?
{ Section 2: Data (0.5 page to 1 page). What are the name and source of your
data? Report, and comment on, the descriptive statistics.
{ Section 3: Regression model (0.5 page to 1 page). Link your hypothesis to your re-
gression model and discuss how to test your hypothesis. Explain the construction
of variables if necessary.
{ Section 4: Estimation Results. Report your estimation results. Interpret your
estimation results. Provide additional analysis or specification of your model if
necessary.
Note:
1. You need to interpret key coeffcients and corresponding statistical tests.
2. You need to place your estimates in the context of the existing literature if
possible.
3. You need to discuss possible limitations with your research. For example, are
OLS assumptions satisfied? Is there any omitted variable bias?
{ Section 5: Conclusion (0.5 page). Conclude with your main findings.
_ References
Includes a list of references relevant to your research and cited in your term paper.
_ Tables and figures
Tables and figures are appended after the list of references. At minimum, the term
paper should contain two tables (for descriptive statistics and regression results). Additional tables and figures are allowed where appropriate. All included tables and figures
must be properly numbered and discussed in the text. DO NOT include undigested
computer (e.g., STATA or Gretl) output! Figures should be labelled clearly.
{ We will penalize (heavily!) undigested computer (e.g., STATA or Gretl) output
(i.e. tables do not look like computer output).
{ Tables should (ideally) have English variable names, not acronyms.
{ A table/figure needs a title, essential labels, and a note so that it is self-contained.
Please check a Canadian Journal of Economics article to see how to prepare a