040081 UE Empirical Methods II (MA) (2023W)

This course complements “Empirical Methods I” and builds on the knowledge, datasets and STATA skills students acquired in that introductory class. Being an advanced course on writing empirical papers, the goal of this course is for students to learn how to work with data and analyze it against the backdrop of a given research question.

Therefore, after a brief recap of the contents of “Empirical Methods I”, we will re-activate knowledge acquired in undergraduate Statistics classes and delve into data analysis both in an applied and theoretical manner. Our theory sessions will mainly focus on descriptive and inference statistics for cross-sectional data. Our applied sessions will revisit the STATA skills and theoretical know-how of students and introduce data analysis using statistical programming software. Students will learn the basic idea behind the Least Squares method, several regression types and will become familiar with Gauss-Markov Conditions, as well as the concept of unbiased and efficient regression results. Students will participate by reading and presenting scientific articles in some of the highest ranked strategy journals and working with practice, as well as real-world datasets. Knowledge gained in this course will be applied during a project where students actively conduct their own empirical research, using the front-ends (introduction, theory and hypotheses) they wrote, as well as the data they obtained during Empirical Methods I. During this task, the newly acquired knowledge of (non-)linear regressions will be applied and tested. Having taken both classes, students shall be left with detailed knowledge and practical experience on how to put-up an empirical paper.

This course is interactive and built around the idea of a laboratory setup as is typical for social sciences. The setup necessitates certain software and IT equipment. To provide every student the same opportunity to successfully participate in the course, it is held in one of the PC-labs at the OMP 1. The class is hence held in-person with two selected (non-theory, individual meetings) sessions held via Zoom. For both online meetings, students are required to ensure stable Internet connection and be able to join using their web cameras as well! Hence, not only an audio connection, also a video connection is required! The majority of all sessions, as well as the exam will be held in person. The exact format of individual sessions will be announced during Session 1!