EC 596 Research Project
Spring 2010, 6:40-8:30pm TTH (NH 362)
Prof. K.-P. Lin (CH 241G, 725-3931)
Office Hours: 3:30-4:30 TTH & by appointment
This is an empirical research project course designed for graduate students in economics,
who have completed at least EC570 and 571 econometrics courses. In parallel, we introduce the
frontier research topics on spatial econometrics and if possible apply for your research project.
The objective of this course is to provide you with experience in applying the statistical and
econometric methods you have learned. Your task is to take a published article of interest,
replicate its numerical results, and then extend the analysis in some way. Possible extensions
include different data and modifications of model specification.
Research Project Paper
The paper should run about 10-15 pages (double spaced) and should not contain raw computer output.
The objective of your project should not be to calculate many numbers, nor to perform a long series
of tests, but rather to learn something about some interesting parameter(s). The paper will be
evaluated with respect to clarity of exposition, thoroughness of description of the data and methods,
competence in using the methods, and thoughtfulness in interpreting results. Complexity of economic
theory and econometric methods does not carry weight in the evaluation. Appropriateness of the theory
and methods to the project does carry weight. So does good writing. The paper must:
- Specify an econometric model.
- Identify at least one parameter of central interest in the model.
- Describe the data.
- Describe the estimation method.
- Explain why the estimation method is appropriate for estimation of the econometric model and
the parameters of central interest.
- Report parameter estimates and standard errors for the estimates.
- Compute a confidence interval for a parameter of interest.
- Execute a hypothesis test concerning a parameter of interest.
- Interpret the economic (or sociological, or financial) magnitude of the parameters,
in particular focusing on those of central interest.
For writing style of a research project paper, consult
Professor Bruce Hansen (University of Wisconsin)
ECON 880 Econometrics Research Paper and
Professor John H. Cochrane (University of Chicago)
Writing Tips for Ph.D. Students.
A presentation by Josh Lehner of Oregon State OEA on Economic
Research and Publication is an useful resource for writing a publishable economic
research project paper.
You are expected to complete the research project paper by the end of this term.
To protect you against getting started on an infeasible or unacceptable project,
project proposal is due in the middle of this term. In cases where the proposal
is not acceptable, a suitably revised proposal must be submitted.
The proposal should be about 2-3 pages (double spaced). Be sure to include:
- Title of project.
- Statement of the objective of the project.
- Indication of the estimation method to be used.
- Description of your data source, including approximate sample size.
Make sure that the data you want are actually accessible and that estimation
by the proposed method is computationally feasible.
- Specification of a central parameter of interest.
- Complete citation for the article or other previous research that forms
the starting point for your analysis. (A copy of the article would be appreciated,
but it should not be necessary for me to read the attached article to find variable
definitions, and certainly not to understand what you plan to do.)
Class presentations will be scheduled to report your work in progress,
including proposal, discussion, and final paper.
Clearly written handouts should be distributed, and prepared slides should be used.
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Kuan-Pin Lin
(Last updated: 04/20/10)