• Critique empirical studies in economics and related fields using articles from leading econometric journals.
• Perform and explain mathematical derivations of the least squares estimator and its properties.
• Identify the proper econometric technique to apply to a problem or dataset.
• Perform econometric analysis by hand and using software (TBD).
• Properly interpret the results of econometric analysis.

Econometrics is a sub-discipline of economics and statistics that provides methods for inferring economic structure from data. This course has three goals. The first goal is to give students means to evaluate an econometric analysis critically and logically. Second, students should be able to analyze a data set methodically and comprehensively using the tools of econometrics. Students will be introduced to multiple regression methods for analyzing data in economics and related disciplines, both by hand and using statistical software.  Extensions will include regression with discrete random variables, analysis of qualitative questions, interaction terms, time series analysis and binary choice models. And third, students should be able to perform mathematical derivations of the least squares estimator and its properties in order to fully understand the intuition underlying the estimation process.
 
The Preliminary Assignment will help students familiarize themselves with statistical software (TBD) and read a sampling of journal articles using various regression techniques. The Mandatory Mid-term Assignment may include multiple choice/True or False questions, derivations, short answer/essay and regression interpretation. The assignment will cover material from the first four chapters.