ECO-3212 : Research methods in economics and econometrics

Responsible teacher: 

Cédric CHAMBRU (cedric.chambru [at] ens-lyon.fr)

General overview

This course covers the basics of conducting economic research: the selection of topic, literature survey, choice of research method, formulation of hypothesis, testing of hypothesis using empirical analysis, and summary and conclusions. The course is designed to enhance students’ ability to integrate quantitative research skills grounded in economic theory and empirical methods. Crucially, this course will give our students the opportunity to apply their training in economic theory and econometrics to applied economic research, hence making the link with the courses offered within the framework of our Advanced Economics track at ENS de Lyon. We will explore current research topics in economics, discover the tools that economists use to explore those topics and answer first-order questions. Our students will learn the steps involved in conducting economic research: selection of the research question, identification of the relevant conceptual framework, formulation of hypothesis, and data collection and analysis. The later part being the most challenging for our pre-master students, the second half of the course will be devoted to: (i) the use of empirical and econometric methods to address research questions, (ii) some practical tips to present and discuss empirical strategy, data, and results in an empirical paper.

Goals

• Learn about how scholars in economics select and address first-order research questions with important policy implications.
• Recognize the vast array of information available to economists over the internet and in the library, and to learn where resources and data can be found.
• Use statistical and econometric analysis to test economic theory and address policy issues.
• Gain an appreciation for the value of economic reasoning and research, but to also recognize the limitations of its application.