Methods of Causal Inference using Stata (2026 DSS)

About

In recent years, panel datasets dominate the empirical research paradigm with observations at increasingly lower levels and research spanning many topics ranging from behavioural economics to political economy. The aim of the course is to provide a theoretical, methodological and applied overview of econometric models for panel data where observations are available on at least two dimensions. The first part of the course relates to static and dynamic panel data with emphasis on the endogeneity of covariates through the correlation with individual heterogeneity and correlation with idiosyncratic shocks. Instrumental variables estimators will be discussed in-depth through the generalized method of moments. The second part of the course consists of problem evaluation techniques such as difference-in-differences, synthetic controls and event studies to evaluate the impact of policies on economic outcomes and behaviour. At the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the empirical literature based on panel data and policy evaluation techniques, estimate their own issue of interest and write a scholarly paper on the topic of interest.

Course leader

Rok SPRUK, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business, Slovenia

Target group

The Doctoral Summer School online courses are aimed at doctoral students, post-docs, academics and professionals from different fields and from all over the world.

Fee info