ECM651-Economic Data Analysis

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andy Chung
Email: chunkit.chung@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an introduction to core topics and methods in the analysis of economic data, while also enabling students to develop their data handling skills using the statistical package Stata and to critically evaluate empirical research papers in economics.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the main methods of economic data analysis and their applications. The module will introduce students to some of the basic methods used in empirical research in economics and will enable students to gain an understanding and practical experience to apply these methods.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should be able to:

1. explain core concepts and methods in econometrics;


2. explain the conditions under which the methods are valid and their limitations.


3. apply the various techniques taught using secondary data and the statistical package Stata, and interpret the results;


4. interpret and critically evaluate the economic data analysis methods used in empirical papers.

Additional outcomes:

The ability to evaluate empirical research and data analysis skills acquired in this module will assist students in carrying out their dissertation or applied economics project, as well as applied coursework in other modules.

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include: different types of economic data; linear regression; estimation; hypothesis testing; tests of model validity; time series methods; cross section and panel data.

Global context:

Examples of the contexts and problems where the methods introduced by this module can be applied will reflect the University’s commitment to global engagement and multi-cultural awareness.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This is a methods based module delivered through a combination of lectures and PC classes. Lectures will introduce the core concepts and methods, which students will have the opportunity to apply through a series of seminars and PC classes, during which there will be group discussion and collaborative work to solve problems. The emphasis is on the interpretation of statistical evidence and the practical application of techniques.