final project econometrics
Econometrics Project
Introduction
Empirical details
Software
Paper Structure
Abstract
Introduction
Data
Methods
Results
Conclusion
BIG CAVEAT
Important Dates
Submission
Econometrics Project Introduction
The econometrics project will be an opportunity to apply the concepts learned in class to write an empirical paper on a topic of choice. Students will need to select a topic, formulate a research question, and apply the analytical and quantitative skills acquired in this course to a data set to answer the question. Before finalizing a topic, please make sure that the appropriate data exists.
Your research paper should attempt to make a contribution to the existing literature, such as:
Add a new variable that hasn’t been studied before to an existing model Study an existing question with more recent data Use a new data set for an existing paper to study a question for a different geography other than the original Find a completely new question (hard but possible)
In addition to the empirical analysis, students will have to write a paper on the subject, with the following sections: introduction, literature review, data, methodology, results and analysis, and conclusion.
Identifying the topic and the research question is challenging, but finding data to test your hypothesis is a critical success factor for the project. You can obtain data from any sources, but I recommend you familiarize yourself with IPUMS and the available datasets that exist there. Once you identified the topic and the research question, it is important you identify whether you can get the data for it. If you cannot find the dataset, you need to identify a new topic and research question.
Empirical details
The paper will have to apply an empirical method used in class (OLS, Diff-in-diff, logit/probit).
You should also make sure that your dataset has the necessary granualirity level (level of detail) that will allow you to correctly test your hypothesis. The number of observations (rows) in your dataset is equally important. Please make sure your dataset has at least 10 observations per regressor in your identification strategy.
Software
You must use STATA for the econometrics project. STATA is designed as a general-purpose statistical package, and has a powerful built-in graphing capability. You can access STATA via FIU’s eLabs. Alternatively, temporary and perpetual licenses can be purchased from the STATA website.
Other languages such as Python, R, SAS, etc. are NOT an option.
Paper Structure
The paper should have the following 6 sections:
Abstract
This section is a concise summary of your paper. It should be about 10 sentences of what your topic is, the results, and the conclusion.
Introduction
In this section you discuss the topic, why it's important, and should have a literature review part where you review what previous research on the topic discusses
Data
In this section you describe your dataset. You should also include one or more tables or graphs in this section with summary statistics.
Methods
In this section you describe the method used (OLS, etc.), and is where you specify your regression formula. You should also explain why your regression equation was implemented the way you defined it, and how you believe your explanatory variables and controls are adequate.
Results
In this section you will discuss your results (in plain english). You would report your regression results in a table, and then go over the interpretation of the regression coefficients, from a mathematical point of view, and more importantly, from an economic point of view.
Conclusion
In this section you should summarize your conclusions. The general form would be:
I set out to test this these are the results I can conclude this
BIG CAVEAT
Make sure you cite EVERYTHING that is not your original work. I also advise against having an external tutor write the assignment for you, please review FIU's policy on academic misconduct for more information.
Important Dates
These dates are tentative and may change
Identify topic, question, discuss data set and empirical strategy (Due February 17th)
Discussion on data sources, summary statistics, and discuss at least two related studies (Due March 10th)
First draft of paper (Due March 10th)
Final Paper (Due March 29th)
Submission
The project submission will be composed of three parts:
a) The paper
b) The dataset you used
c) A copy of your Do-file
You MUST turn in all three components to allow me to replicate your results.
The paper needs to follow a research paper format, with the following sections: introduction, literature review, data, methodology, results and analysis, and conclusion. An example of an "A" paper can be found here. No less than 5 pages, no more than 10 pages.
The dataset you use needs to be publicly available, and it is the student's responsibility to secure permission to use it, and more importantly, to distribute it so I can use it to grade you.
The code in your Do-file must be your own. It must perform every task neatly and correctly. Adding comments in your code to describe what you are doing (as necessary) is highly encouraged. This allows me to grade more precisely.