Causal Inference and Reasoning
Course code
QUANT311
Course type
BSc Course
Weekly Hours
2,0
ECTS
3.0
Term
FS 2024
Language
Englisch
Lecturers
Prof. Dr. Michael Massmann
Please note that exchange students obtain a higher number of credits in the BSc-program at WHU than listed here. For further information please contact directly the International Relations Office.
Course content
The purpose of this course is to introduce state-of-the art econometric techniques for causal analysis and apply them to real world data sets. The methods covered in this course include an in-depth analysis of the workhorse in data science, viz. the linear regression model and least-squares estimation. Subsequently, techniques for more complex data structures frequently encountered in applied work such as panel data and binary dependent variables are discussed. Finally, advanced estimation methods like instrumental variables and differences-in-differences are covered. The empirical analyses are implemented in RStudio, the most popular data science software environment, and in RMarkdown, the prime language for producing replicable research.
Class dates
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday, 08.01.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Monday, 15.01.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Friday, 19.01.2024 | 17:15 - 18:45 |
| Monday, 22.01.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Friday, 26.01.2024 | 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Monday, 29.01.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Friday, 02.02.2024 | 09:30 - 11:00 |
| Monday, 05.02.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Wednesday, 07.02.2024 | 19:00 - 20:30 |
| Tuesday, 13.02.2024 | 09:00 - 11:00 |
| Friday, 16.02.2024 | 11:30 - 15:15 |
| Wednesday, 28.02.2024 | 09:00 - 10:30 |
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be familiar with modern econometric and machine learning techniques and will be able to apply them to real world data sets using state-of-the-art software. Students will have acquired a sound theoretical mindset for causal inference and time series prediction. They will have developed programming skills for conducting replicable empirical work. This proficiency will prove indispensable for their Bachelor's thesis, for a Master's degree or for data science projects in industry.
Literature
Stock and Watson (2019): Introduction to Econometrics. Pearson. 4th edition.
Learningmethods
The courses take the form of interactive lectures with exercises: on the one hand, theoretical material is discussed in class and illustrated by means of empirical examples in live demonstrations in RStudio; on the other hand, participants are given theoretical and coding exercises to practice the use of newly-learnt concepts.
Exam
Written examination.
Requirements
Familiarity with the topics covered in Mathematics I and II, as well as those in Statistics I and II is assumed.
Total workload
180 hrs