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Course Policies

Resources 

Required Book & Software:  Econometrics by Example (WKU Store or Amazon; paperback or ebook)
                                                  Stata Student Version (6 month Stata/IC recommended) 
                                                  Stata available on some machines in GH 335 
                                                  (If you choose not to purchase Stata, make sure to complete assignments
                                                    early; lab access is your responsibility and not an excuse) 

 

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Undergraduate Grades                

                                                Weight

  • Weekly Quizzes                30% (Lowest score from first and second half dropped)

  • Exams (2)                           60%  

  • Assignments                     10% 

  • Classroom Policies     (See Below) 

 

 

 

Graduate and Honors Student Grades                

                                                                                           Weight

  • Weekly Quizzes                                                         25% (Lowest score from first and second half dropped)

  • Exams (2)                                                                   50%  

  • Assignments                                                             10% 

  • Article Summaries (2) & Presentation  (1)            15%

  • Classroom Policies     (See Below) 

 

A>=90, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F<60.

 

 

 

Weekly Quizzes:   Multiple-choice questions based on lectures & readings from prior week. These will be posted on Blackboard
on Sunday at 12 PM and be available until 12:40 on Tuesday. They must be completed by 12:40. No extensions. If for some
reason I am unable to give you 48 hours lead time for the quiz, I will email the class, and the quiz will be given at the
beginning of class on Tuesday (in class).

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Exams:  Multiple choice questions based on concepts & interpreting data. Similar questions to Weekly Quizzes + regressions topics in Assignments (no software-related questions).  Grad/Honors students will have a few additional questions.
 

Assignments:  Primarily data-based assignments (primarily) executing methods using Stata.  Full credit for correct results and
serious attempts. 50% credit for results with major problems.  Zero credit for no assignment or lots of missing elements.  10% reduction per day (M-F) for late.  Assignments are due at the beginning of class. The penalty applies any time after the beginning of class.  These assignments are for you to complete, not for me to do for you. I have posted video tutorials on several of them.

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Article Summaries/Presentations (Grad Students + Honors): Provide a 2-3 page summary of one of the regression-oriented articles listed on the Assignments page. You will make a 10- to 15-minute presentation to the class. The summaries should focus on the empirical work and address these items:

     1) the overall question(s) that the data analysis is trying to answer;

     2) details about the data that are used (specifics on measurements of key variables, type of data (cross-section, panel, ...), level of data (individual, firm, national, ...); 

    3) a description and some detail about the regression methods/strategy used (IV, DID, Discontinuty, Quantile, ...) 

    4) Some details about the primary regression result(s);

    5) A brief overview of supportive results (checking for the sensitivity of results to various alternatives).  In the presentation, as you address these points, you should cut and paste graphics or tables to help illustrate your points. 

 

Your aim should be to explain the data analysis in a way that makes it clear to the undergrads in the class what the author(s) have done.  

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Articles:

Why Do Movie Studios Produce R-rated Films? (Goff, Wilson & Zimmer) 

The effect of management changes on winning in professional sports: Analysis using a dynamic lag adjustment model (Goff, Wilson & Zimmer)

Moral Hazard, Designated Hitters, and Hit Batsmen (Bradbury & Drinen) 

Matched Pairs Analysis of State Growth Differences

Hugo Chavez & Synthetic Controls 

Teachers & Match Effects

Fed *& Interest Rates (Fama) 
Housing Prices & Megan's Law
Acemoglu on Reversal of Fortune

 

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Classroom Policies & Grades 
Part I

  • No use of electronic devices (mobile phones, tablets, computers) is permitted unless part of an ADA accommodation.  All electronic devices should be put away during class.

  • No eating or drinking from open containers is permitted. 

  • Students entering the classroom after the beginning of class should be seated with minimal distraction. 

  • Violations of the preceding policies are subject to a 1 percent reduction in semester average per incident

 

Part II 

  • Cheating (in any form, including the use of mobile phones) on an exam is not permitted. No electronic devices (other than calculators) may be out during exams.

  • Calculators may be used on exams but mobile phones may not be used as calculators.

  • Demeaning comments toward other students or the instructor, outbursts, or other distracting behavior are not permitted. 

  • Violations of the preceding policies are subject to a letter grade reduction and other disciplinary measures per incident

 

 

Miscellaneous
Last day to drop the course with a W is listed in the WKU Academic Calendar. 

 

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ADA Accommodation Policy

In compliance with University policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC)  located in Downing Student Union, 1074. SARC can be reached by phone at 270-745-5004 [270-745-3030 TTY] or via email at sarc.connect@wku.edu . Please do not request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a faculty notification letter (FNL) from The Student Accessibility Resource Center.

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Title IX Misconduct/Assault Policy 

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to supporting faculty, staff and students by upholding WKU’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct/Assault Policy (#0.2070) at https://wku.edu/eoo/documents/titleix/wkutitleixpolicyandgrievanceprocedure.pdf and Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040) at https://wku.edu/policies/hr_policies/2040_discrimination_harassment_policy.pdf.

 

Under these policies, discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct based on sex/gender are prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex/gender-based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator, Andrea Anderson, 270-745-5398 or Title IX Investigators, Michael Crowe, 270-745-5429 or Joshua Hayes, 270-745-5121.

 

Please note that while you may report an incident of sex/gender based discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct to a faculty member, WKU faculty are “Responsible Employees” of the University and MUST report what you share to WKU’s Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Investigator. If you would like to speak with someone who may be able to afford you confidentiality, you may contact WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center at 270-745-3159.

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Course Learning Objectives

1. To understand and apply basic regression methods

2. To understand key assumptions behind the use of regression methods

3. To understand and apply non-linear regression methods

4. To understand and apply regression methods using limited dependent variables

5. To understand and apply basic panel data regression methods

6. To understand and apply basic time series regression methods

7. To develop skills in the construction of causal empirical models and tests

8. To develop skills in the reporting of regression results

 

 

 

 

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