Econometrics reading session: Athey and Imbens (2017)

Fourth session on causality and econometrics.

This time we read Athey and Imbens (2017) The State of Applied Econometrics: Causality and Policy Evaluation. In the paper, authors discuss "recent developments in econometrics that they view as important for empirical researchers working on policy evaluation questions". They cover three major discussions i) identification strategies in program evaluation, ii) supplementary analyses, and iii) implication of machine learning methods for causal effects.

Paper: Athey, S., Imbens, G., (2017), The State of Applied Econometrics: Causality and Policy Evaluation, Journal of Economic Perspectives, 31 (2): 3-32.
Key words: Econometrics, differences in differences, regression discontinuity design, robustness
Link to the paper: https://drive.google.com/open?id=12unhY0Mzbp2qw-2hQdMk0zmqRQ0vN-BS
Date: 18. March 2020, 21:00 (CET, Berlin)

Besides, it is mandatory to read the paper, since the discussion will be based on the paper of each reading session.

Structure: First 30 minutes we will discuss key points from the paper. Then, we will move on to elaborate, criticize or analyze the ideas stated and try to connect the reading to the overall picture of the reading group.

Please do join us if you are interested.

Looking forward to having a fruitful discussion about the state of causality and policy evaluation in applied economics.