Real Econometrics The Right Tools to Answer Important Questions

An engaging and practical introduction to econometrics, Real Econometrics: The Right Tools to Answer Important Questions provides thorough coverage of the most frequently used methods of analysis and a diverse array of examples and case studies. Grounded in contemporary understandings of causal inference, the text invites students to see how econometric tools can help answer interesting questions ranging from whether police reduce crime, to how drinking affects students' grades, and to whether or not tall people make higher wages. This emphasis on practical applications, combined with a lively and conversational narrative, provides students with a solid foundation in the analytical tools they will use throughout their academic and professional careers.

Chapter 1. The Quest for Causality
Chapter 2. Stats in the Wild: Good Data Practices

Part I: The OLS Framework

Chapter 3. Bivariate OLS: The Foundation of Econometric Analysis
Chapter 4. Hypothesis Testing and Interval Estimation: Answering Research Questions
Chapter 5. Multivariate OLS: Where the Action Is
Chapter 6. Dummy Variables: Smarter Than You Think
Chapter 7. Transforming Variables, Comparing Variables

Part II: The Contemporary Econometric Toolkit

Chapter 8. Using Fixed Effects Models to Fight Endogeneity in Panel Data and Difference-in-Difference Models
Chapter 9. Instrumental Variables: Using Exogenous Variation to Fight Endogeneity
Chapter 10. Experiments: Dealing with Real-World Challenges
Chapter 11. Regression Discontinuity: Looking for Jumps in Data

Part III: Limited Dependent Variables

Chapter 12. Dummy Dependent Variables

Part IV: Advanced Material

Chapter 13. Time Series: Dealing with Stickiness over Time
Chapter 14. Advanced OLS
Chapter 15. Advanced Panel Data
Chapter 16. Conclusion: How to Be an Econometric Realist

Appendices
Citations and Additional Notes
Guide to Selected Discussion Questions
Bibliography
Glossary
Index