PP455
Quantitative Approaches and Policy Analysis
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Jeremiah Dittmar and Prof Mark Schankerman
Availability
This course is compulsory on the Master of Public Administration. This course is available on the MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Columbia), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Hertie), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and NUS), MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Sciences Po) and MPA Dual Degree (LSE and Tokyo). This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The course introduces students to regression-based methods and cost-benefits analysis used for the quantitative evaluation of public policies. The course introduces students to basic multiple regression analysis including hypothesis testing, modelling of non-linear relationships, and dummy variables. From there, the course covers a number of regression based evaluation methods to assess the causal effectiveness of policy interventions. These include the use of randomized experiments, natural or quasi-experiments, panel data, difference-in-differences estimation, instrumental variables, matching and regression discontinuity design. The final part of the course provides an overview of cost-benefit valuation methods for public policy.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures and classes totalling a minimum of 60 hours across Michaelmas Term and Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students will complete weekly problem sets. Some of these will be marked to provide indicative assessment.
Indicative reading
Particularly useful textbooks are Joshua D. Angrist and Jom-Steffen Pischke, "Mastering Metrics"; James Stock & Mark Watson, "Introduction to Econometrics"; and Jeffrey Wooldridge, "Introductory Econometrics". The material in the textbooks will be complemented with recent research papers and chapters from other books. A full reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the course.
Assessment
Exam (60%, duration: 3 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Policy memo (10%) in the MT.
Policy memo (10%) in the LT.
Continuous assessment (10%) in the MT and LT.
Group presentation (10%).
Student performance results
(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 23 |
| Merit | 40.9 |
| Pass | 30.3 |
| Fail | 5.8 |
Key facts
Department: School of Public Policy
Total students 2021/22: 82
Average class size 2021/22: 14
Controlled access 2021/22: Yes
Lecture capture used 2021/22: Yes (LT)
Value: One Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
