The course has two objectives. On the one hand, understand the interpretation and all the methodological aspects of estimating causal relationships between variables in different contexts. This includes the interpretation of causal relationships in linear and non-linear in variables models. And also includes learning the fundamentals of inferences based on least squares. On the other hand, the student will be able to make inferences in the studied models using real data with the help of the GRETL program. The student will be examined for each and every one of these aspects.
Students must come to class with a laptop on which GRETL must be installed.
GRETL free software is the fundamental learning tool. The different concepts are discussed in the context of case studies in Social Sciences using real data.
This course provide a working knowledge on modelling causal relations in social sciences using the linear in parameters model. Fundamental tools are inferences on the parameters using least squares.
A very important aspect of the course consists of using Econometrics software packages. The most used in class is GRETL, but we also use E-Views. It is essential that the student has a personal computer with at least GRETL installed. The midterms exams, and possibly the final, require using GRETL. Students must attend all classes, both magistral and reduced, with their personal computers.
At the end of the course, the student will acquire a good working knowledge on the interpretation of the linear regression model, discriminating between alternative specifications by means of statistical inference, and using GRETL for estimation and hypothesis testing.