Abstract
This course helps participants improve the quality and publication potential of empirical research by better linking it to theory. Based on concrete examples and practical guidance, participants will acquire the following skills:
- Connect empirical findings to prior theory,
- Introduce a (small) theoretical framework to clarify the empirical mechanism and to sharpen identification,
- Derive new insights from estimated regression coefficients,
- Generate policy implications from empirical work.
Registration is closed.
Methodology courses typically focus on either theory or on the empirical estimation. This course aims to bridge the gap between the two by exploring several ways in which empirical studies can benefit from using theory. While it is common for theory papers to derive empirical predictions, this course will emphasize an interplay between theory and empirics starting from existing empirical work.
We will show that using theory can often be a low-hurdle approach to improving empirical exercises. Without requiring the collection of new data, theory can help overcome identification challenges, sharpen empirical specifications, derive policy implications, or supplement regressions with additional quantitative exercises.
Using theory can take, for instance, the form of explicitly linking the empirics to prior theoretical work, or adding a theoretical framework (even just a single equation) to the paper.
We will discuss these possibilities in the context of actual research papers. In doing so, we will also pay attention to their evolution. Several of these papers began as purely empirical studies but later added theory to overcome specific challenges and enrich the analysis.
By the end of the course the candidates will be able to:
- Connect empirical findings to prior theory,
- Introduce a (small) theoretical framework to clarify the empirical mechanism and to sharpen identification,
- Derive new insights from estimated regression coefficients,
- Generate policy implications from empirical work.
No separate readings from course material
Assessment
Participation, Group Assignment
Attendance
Attendance (at all course sessions) is mandatory. The course certificate will be issued only to participants who have fulfilled all course requirements, which can include:
- Required attendance at the course sessions.
- Successful completion of the course assessments in accordance with the assessment criteria.
Contact
- Content related questions
Prof. dr. Wolf Wagner
Email address - Enrolment related questions
ERIM Doctoral Office
Email address
Register directly via the . If you have previously attended a course at ÃÀÅ®¸£ÀûµçÓ°ÔºÎçÒ¹, you will already have an EUR account. If not, you will be asked to create one to complete your enrolment and receive access to course materials.
- Browse courses: Select the course that interests you and click on 'Enroll'.
- Create an account: Submit the details for your account. You will need it to access the course materials via the university’s learning management system.
- Complete registration: Fill out the registration form and submit payment.
- Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email with course details.
ERIM Full-time and Part-time PhD candidates as well as ERIM members can register free of charge via the university’s student information system, . A valid EUR student account is required to log in and complete enrolment.
If you encounter any issues accessing the course site, we recommend copying and pasting the link into an incognito/private browser window.
If you already have an Osiris account and encounter difficulties, please contact ERIM Doctoral office via summerschool@erim.eur.nl and they can assist by registering directly for your preferred Summer School courses.
Course fee: €250 per EC credit
Courses are available free of charge for ERIM members and ERIM Full-time & Part-time PhD candidates.
After you submit the online application form, you will receive further instructions from ERIM Doctoral Office regarding payment options, including by bank transfer (invoice) or direct payment by credit card, iDeal.
Your spot in the course is confirmed once payment is received.
Course materials will be available via , the university’s learning management system. You can access them using the account provided upon registration. If you encounter issues, try copying the link into an incognito/private browser window.
By default, all announcements from Canvas are sent to your EUR student email account. You can add your preferred personal email address under Canvas > User Account > Settings > Ways to connect (right side menu).
If you forgot your password, please contact EUR IT Helpdesk through it.servicedesk@eur.nl.
Participation in ERIM Summer School grants you also access to Erasmus University Library. The online collection includes e-journals, e-books, online articles and other resources. It can be accessed easily through the Library website with your EUR student account.