Quick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student Hardware or software required for your course or program may be available for purchase at Patriot Computers (the University’s computer store that offers educational discounts and
Course Information Instructor
Course Description
Course Objectives
Course Methodology
Required textbook(s) and/or
materials
Syllabus
ECON 345: Introduction to Econometrics Location: Distance Education/Blackboard Professor Thomas Stratmann Virtual Office Hours Wednesdays 3-4PM, ET via Zoom: https://gmu.zoom.us/j/6512586748?pwd=aTBoakRmUS8yQXN2RHNKWXhLdzhEQT09 Please refer to your online course: https://mymasonportal.gmu.edu/ This course will introduce you to the use of multiple regression analysis and modern statistical techniques required to analyze data in the social sciences. The emphasis is on empirical applications. There are two main objectives of the course:
1. To provide you with the ability to analyze critically the empirical analysis done by others at a level sufficient to make sound decisions based on their analyses.
2. To provide you with the skills necessary to perform empirical analysis on your own. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the difference between correlation and causal effects 2. Interpret statistical information, making you an informed consumer of data 3. Demonstrate an ability to utilize appropriate statistical software (Microsoft Excel &
Stata) to solve problems 4. Perform data analysis independently 5. Analyze critically the empirical analysis done by others at a level sufficient to make
sound decisions based on their analyses 6. Construct appropriate outputs based on empirical analyses The class format will combine readings, lectures, problem sets, and other learning tools. The class will be interactive and require every student to be engaged in the classroom discussion and assignments. In addition to the lectures, screencasts and timely completion of assignments, every student will be expected to be an active participant and a dedicated individual applying what you learn to every element of the course work. Required Text:
Jeffrey Wooldridge, Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach, 7th Edition, SouthWestern, Cengage Learning, 2020 (eBook or physical copy).
Cengage MindTap
· You can purchase just MindTap (which includes the eBook version of Introductory Econometrics) or MindTap and a physical copy of Introductory Econometrics. You may purchase from the Mason bookstore or through Cengage. When you click on any link to MindTap from Blackboard, you will be prompted to enter an access code and it will display your purchasing options. If you have any questions, please reach out to Maddie Hunt, Maddie.hunt@cengage.com
Other readings and materials will be made available electronically on Blackboard. Required Software: Stata/IC (for more details see "Course-specific Hardware/Software" below)
Computer Requirements
Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor (for more details see "Course-specific Hardware/Software" below) Hardware You will need access to a Windows or Macintosh computer with at least 2 GB of RAM and access to a fast and reliable broadband internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL). A larger screen is recommended for better visibility of course material. You will need speakers or headphones to hear recorded content and a headset with a microphone is recommended for the best experience. Finally, you are encouraged to have a webcam. For the amount of Hard Disk Space required taking a distance education course, consider and allow for:
1. the storage amount needed to install any additional software and 2. space to store work that you will do for the course.
If you consider the purchase of a new computer, please go to Patriot Tech to see recommendations.
Software: Many courses use Blackboard as the learning management system. You will need a browser and operating system that are listed compatible or certified with the Blackboard version available on the myMason Portal. See supported browsers and operating systems. Log in to myMason to access your registered courses. Online courses typically use Acrobat Reader, Flash, Java, and Windows Media Player, QuickTime and/or Real Media Player. Your computer should be capable of running current versions of those applications. Also, make sure your computer is protected from viruses by downloading the latest version of Symantec Endpoint Protection/Anti-Virus software for free here.
Students owning Macs or Linux should be aware that some courses may use software that only runs on Windows. You can set up a Mac computer with Boot Camp or virtualization software so Windows will also run on it. Watch this video about using Windows on a Mac. Computers running Linux can also be configured with virtualization software or configured to dual boot with Windows.
Note: If you are using an employer-provided computer or corporate office for class attendance, please verify with your systems administrators that you will be able to install the necessary applications and that system or corporate firewalls do not block access to any sites or media types.
Course-specific Hardware/Software
This course will include applied computing, using Microsoft Excel and Stata. Stata software is probably the most favored statistical package used by applied economists. You will be required to utilize Stata/IC which is available through the university and for purchase. Here are some Mason links to Stata, how to access Stata on Campus and off Campus, and purchasing options.
https://infoguides.gmu.edu/software/stata
https://its.gmu.edu/service/virtual-computing-lab/
https://its.gmu.edu/service/virtual-private-network-vpn/
To access Stata, go to vcl.gmu.edu. This gets you to the virtual computing lab to access Stata. If you are off campus, you will have to use a vpn connection. Sometimes, even on campus you'll need a vpn connection to access the virtual computing lab. For details on how to stall a vpn on your laptop or computer, go to https://its.gmu.edu/service/virtual-private-network-vpn/
Alternatively, or in addition, you can by a six month, or an annual, or a perpetual license. For students, the cheapest option is Stata/IC which you can rent for six months of $48. A perpetual license costs Stata/IC costs $225, and you have to option to upgrade to Stata/SE. Stata/SE
allows for larger data sets, and there are favors of Stata, such as Stata/MP which are faster than the other two versions, and allow for even larger data sets. You will find more details here: https://www.stata.com/order/new/edu/gradplans/student-pricing/
Your instructor has no financial interest in what type of option you chose and whether you chose to purchase this software at all. The book Statistics with Stata by Lawrence C. Hamilton might be useful for you to learn about using Stata, but this book is not required.
LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.
Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=133435885
Once Installed
· Start LockDown Browser · Log into Blackboard Learn · Navigate to the test
Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.
Guidelines When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:
· Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted · Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them
outside of your reach · Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've
allotted sufficient time to complete it · Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers,
other devices · Remain at your computer for the duration of the test · If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the
"Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam · To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
o Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims o Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT
have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move o If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete o Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window) · Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted
Getting Help Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:
· The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
· Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
· If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it
· Quick Start Guide: https://web.respondus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/RLDBQuick-Start-Guide-Bb-Student.pdf
Course Website Participation
Hardware or software required for your course or program may be available for purchase at Patriot Computers (the University's computer store that offers educational discounts and special deals). Blackboard will be used for this course. You can access the site at http://mymasonportal.gmu.edu. Login and click on the "Courses" tab. You will see ECON 345.NOTE: Username and passwords are the same as your Mason email account. You must have consistent access to an internet connection in order to complete the assignments in this course through Blackboard (http://mymason.gmu.edu). Note the technology requirements for College of Humanities and Social Sciences in your Blackboard course menu--it contains details of minimum technology requirements. In this course, you will learn to use Microsoft Excel and Stata and solve statistical problems through learning-by-doing. In either case, your work must be your own. Thus, please don't hand in someone else's work product.
Rules and Expectations
Mason Honor Code
Learning can only happen when you are playing an active role. Knowledge is more important than facts and definitions. It is a way of looking at the world, an ability to interpret and organize future information. An active learning approach will more likely result in long-term retention and better understanding because you make the content of what you are learning concrete and real in your mind. Although an active role can look differently for various individuals, it is expected in this class that you will work to explore issues and ideas under the guidance of the professor and your peers. You can do this by reflecting on the content and activities of this course, asking questions, striving for answers, interpreting observations, and discussing issues with your peers.
In correspondence/communication students will be expected to: a) Be professional and respectful in correspondence b) Make reasonable requests of the instructor. I will be happy to clarify course material and answer legitimate questions; however, please exhaust other information sources (e.g., syllabus, Blackboard) for answering your question before contacting me and remember, "Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part"
In regard to honesty in work students will be expected to: a) Review the University integrity and honesty policies in the student handbook for guidelines regarding plagiarism and cheating (summarized below). I will gladly clarify my stance on any questionable or "grey area" issues you may have. b) Refrain from dishonest work as it will receive a minimum penalty of zero on the assignment and a maximum penalty of a zero for the course with a report to the Honor committee. The GMU Honor Code requires that faculty submit any suspected Honor Code violations to the Honor Committee. Therefore, any suspected offense will be submitted for adjudication.
The complete Honor Code is as follows: To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the university community, have set forth this honor code: Student members of the George Mason University
community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.
Cheating Policy
(From the Catalog catalog.gmu.edu) Any form of cheating on an activity, project, or exam will result in zero points earned. "Cheating" includes, but is not limited to, the following: reviewing others' exam papers, having ANY resources utilized when not allowed, collaborating with another student during an individual assignment.
Plagiarism and the Internet
Individuals with Disabilities
Academic Integrity and Inclusivity
Student Privacy Policy
If you have questions about when the contributions of others to your work must be acknowledged and appropriate ways to cite those contributions, please talk with the professor or utilize the GMU writing center.
Copyright rules also apply to users of the Internet who cite from Internet sources. Information and graphics accessed electronically must also be cited, giving credit to the sources. This material includes but is not limited to e-mail (don't cite or forward someone else's e-mail without permission), newsgroup material, information from Web sites, including graphics. Even if you give credit, you must get permission from the original source to put any graphic that you did not create on your web page. Shareware graphics are not free. Freeware clipart is available for you to freely use. If the material does not say "free," assume it is not. Putting someone else's Internet material on your web page is stealing intellectual property. Making links to a site is, at this time, okay, but getting permission is strongly advised, since many Web sites have their own requirements for linking to their material. Review the Honor Code here. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services (703) 993-2474) to learn more about accommodations that may be available to them. (From the 2019-2020 Catalog catalog.gmu.edu) This course embodies the perspective that we all have differing perspectives and ideas and we each deserve the opportunity to share our thoughts. Therefore, we will conduct our discussions with respect for those differences. That means, we each have the freedom to express our ideas, but we should also do so keeping in mind that our colleagues deserve to hear differing thoughts in a respectful manner, i.e. we may disagree without being disagreeable. http://oai.gmu.edu/ George Mason University strives to fully comply with FERPA by protecting the privacy of student records and judiciously evaluating requests for release of information from those records.
E-Mail Policy
Please see George Mason University's student privacy policy https://registrar.gmu.edu/students/privacy/ Web: masonlive.gmu.edu Mason uses electronic mail to provide official information to students. Examples include notices from the library, notices about academic standing, financial aid information, class materials, assignments, questions, and instructor feedback.
Students are responsible for the content of university communication sent to their Mason email account and are required to activate that account and check it regularly.
Students are also expected to maintain an active and accurate mailing address in order to receive communications sent through the United States Postal Service.
Late Work Policy
Course Grading & Evaluation
(From the 2017-18 Catalog catalog.gmu.edu) Late assignments will not be accepted without prior written approval from the instructor. Emergency, unforeseen, and/or serious extenuating circumstances will be handled on a caseby-case basis. Grades will be assigned as follows: A: 93.00-100% A-: 89.50-92.99% B+:87.00-89.49%
Discussions
Quizzes/Knowledge Checks Accounts
for 5% of final grade
B:83.00-86.99% B-:80.00-82.99% C+:77.00-79.99% C:73.00-76.99% C-:70.00-72.99% D:60.00-69.99% F:0-59.99% The discussion board will primarily be used as an ongoing dialogue or students to pose questions and comments related to the course assignments. Regular participation, through dialogue with your peers and instructor, is encouraged though you will not be graded. The exception will be during Lessons 1 and 10, where a specific topic will be presented. These discussions are also ungraded. The "Ask the Instructor" section may be used for general questions and comments. There will be a quiz to test your knowledge of the course syllabus, so please review it fully prior
to the first week of class. Brief knowledge check reviews are presented following videos within
the course. You will have up to 3 opportunities to complete the knowledge checks, with the
average score being counted. Each question counts for 1 point.
Assignments: Problem Sets, Homework, &
Exercises Accounts for 35%
of final grade
A variety of graded assignments will be presented throughout the course, including problem sets and MindTap homework/exercises. You can access the assignments directly from within the individual lesson modules or by clicking the "Assignments" link on the Blackboard left-hand navigation menu. Correct answers to problem sets and reading assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Be sure to check Blackboard frequently for updates on problem sets, lecture notes, reading assignments, announcements, etc.
You may work on the problem sets in small groups. You must, however, write up your answers individually and in your own words. If you choose to work in a small group, include the names of your study group members on your problem set. Duplicate answers will not receive credit.
Exams Accounts for 60% of final grade (Midterm 25%, Final 35%)
Each week assignments are required to be uploaded to Blackboard. Assignments are due by Sunday, 11:59 PM, ET unless otherwise stated. Refer to the course schedule and weekly overviews for details. There will be one midterm exam. This exam is a closed book exam. There will be no makeup midterm. If you miss the midterm with a valid excuse, its weight will be shifted to the final. The final exam will be cumulative and is also closed book.
Since both exams are closed book, Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor are utilized to deter cheating. You will need to log into Respondus LockDown Browser using your Blackboard login information to access and complete these exams. A webcam is required when using Respondus Monitor.
Need Help? Utilize the "Course Q&A" discussion forum or email your instructor directly.
Expect to work at least 7-10 hours per week on assignments and readings for this course.
Unless otherwise stated, all assignments are due by the end of the week in which they are assigned. For the purposes of this course, a week is defined as beginning at 12:01 am each Monday EST, and ending at 11:59 pm on the following Sunday EST.
To help you manage your schedule and time to complete the assignments in this course, please follow the recommended timeline below. If you have a question or concern or encounter a problem about an assignment, please contact me immediately so we can discuss and work out a resolution.
Weeks Week 1
Lessons Lesson 1:
Assignments · Take quiz on content of the syllabus
Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5
Week 6
Week 7 Week 8
Introduction to Excel and Stata
Lesson 2: Moving to Correlation to Causation
Lesson 3: Laying the Groundwork for Future Proofs & Derivations Lesson 4: The Simple Regression Model
Lesson 5: Unbiasedness and Variance of OLS
Estimators
Lesson 6: Multiple Regression
Model
Lesson 7: Midterm Exam
Lesson 8:
· Participate in the introductory discussion · Complete the MindTap tutorials (optional) · Watch video "Isn't Econometrics Boring?" & complete knowledge
check · Review Microsoft Excel lecture · Review Stata lecture · Watch 3 Stata videos ("How to Use Stata", "Variables", &
"Commands") & complete knowledge checks · Complete Excel assignment (problem set) · Complete Stata assignment (problem set)
· Review Correlation & Covariance lecture · Watch video "What's the Difference Between Econometrics and
Statistics?" & complete knowledge check · Read Wooldridge Chapter 1 · Complete MindTap assignment (homework) · Complete MindTap assignment (exercises) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review Summation lecture · Read Wooldridge "Appendix" · Complete Summations & Derivatives assignment (problem set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review OLS Derivations & Reading Results lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapter 2 · Complete Stata assignment (problem set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review Unbiasedness & Variance lecture · Review Section 2.5 in Wooldridge Chapter 2 · Watch video "Intro to Linear Regression" & complete knowledge
check · Watch video "Interpreting the Regression Line" & complete
knowledge check · Watch video "Outliers" & complete the knowledge check · Complete the Unbiasedness & Variance assignment (problem
set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Multiple Regression Model lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapter 3 · Watch video "Intro to Understanding Data" & complete
knowledge check · Complete the Multiple Regression Model assignment (problem
set) · Complete the MindTap assignment (homework) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Complete the Midterm Exam
· Review Regression, Matching, and Causality lecture notes · Read Angrist and Pischke Chapter 2 (PDF) · Watch video "Ceteris Paribus" & complete knowledge check
Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13
Week 14 Week 15
Regression, Matching, and
Causality
Lesson 9: Statistical Inference
Lesson 10: Additional
Regression Topics
Lesson 11: Power Analysis
Lesson 12: Heteroskedasticity
Lesson 13: Difference in Differences Estimation
Lesson 14: Time Series
Lesson 15: Final Exam
· Watch video "Selection Bias" & complete knowledge check · Watch video (portion) "Mastering Mostly Harmless
Econometrics" · Complete the Matching and Causality assignment (problem set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Statistical Inference lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapter 4 · Complete the Regression assignment (problem set) · Complete the MindTap assignment (homework) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Additional Regression Topics lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapters 6 and 7 · Complete the 2 MindTap assignments (exercises) · Complete the 2 MindTap assignments (homework) · Participate in the Crime discussion
· Review the Power lecture · Review the Stata Power webinar notes (PDF) · Complete the Power assignment (problem set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Heteroskedasticity lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapter 8 · Complete the Heteroskedasticity assignment (problem set) · Complete the MindTap assignment (homework) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Difference in Differences lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapter 13 · Watch video "An intuitive introduction to Difference-in-
Differences" · Watch video "Difference in Differences Estimation in Stata" · Complete the Difference in Differences assignment (problem set) · Complete the MindTap assignment (homework) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Review the Time Series lecture · Read Wooldridge Chapters 10, 11, and 18.1-18.4 · Watch video "What Is the Efficient Market Hypothesis?" &
complete knowledge check · Complete the Time Series assignment (problem set) · Participate in the Problem Set discussion
· Complete the Final Exam
Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365