ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci

Academic Year 2020/2021

*** Not available in the academic year indicated above ***

in 2019 the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer for “their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty". Their work has highlighted the importance of using field experiments to address key policy issues.

In this module we will focus on the use of field experiments/randomized controlled field trials in the social sciences to identify the causal impact of policies/interventions/services to address questions such as, how can we reduce socio-economic inequalities in children's skills? how can we reduce poverty? how can we reduce the obesity epidemic?

This module will cover all aspects of conducting a field experiment including study design, ethical approval,
randomisation, power analysis, measurement, analysis, and validity. We will use examples from lots of different field experiments recently conducted by social scientists. There will be a particular focus on my own field experiment, known as the Preparing for Life, which I have been running in Dublin for over a decade.

Through the assignment, you will have the opportunity to design your own field experiment. The aim of the assignment is to apply the theoretical frameworks covered in the module to the practical application of a field experiment.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrable theoretical knowledge on the key processes involved in conducting field experiments.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of field experiments.
- Apply practical experience in designing a field experiment.

Indicative Module Content:

Note these topics are indicative only and may be subject to change.

Module Overview

Introduction to Field Experiments
PART I: Why use field experiments
PART II: What are field experiments
PART III: Brief example of a field experiment
PART IV: When to conduct a field experiment
PART V: How to conduct a field experiment

Methods of Randomisation
PART I: Random sampling v’s random assignment
PART II: Methods of randomisation
PART III: Unit of randomisation
PART IV: Types of randomisation

Power Analysis & Sample Size
PART 1: Why do a power analysis
PART II: Review of hypothesis testing
PART III: How to conduct a power analysis
PART IV: How to conduct a power analysis in cluster trials

Data Collection & Measurement
PART I: Data types & sources
PART II: How & when to collect data
PART III: Concept of measurement & measurement error
PART IV: Tips for designing & piloting a survey

Trial Registries & Pre-analysis plan
PART I: Publication bias & data mining
PART II: Trial registries
PART III: Pre-analysis plans

Analyzing Data from Field Experiments
PART I: Statistical methods for estimating treatment effects
PART II: Role of covariates & accounting for stratification
PART III: Calculating effect sizes
PART IV: Testing for heterogeneous effects

Threats to Internal Validity
PART I: Compliance
PART II: Attrition
PART III: Contamination

Threats to External Validity
PART I: Behavioural responses
PART II: Generalisability






Introduction to Randomised Controlled Trials
Methods of Randomisation
Power Analysis & Sample Size
Measurement
Analysis & Threats to Validity

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

84
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Multiple different teaching and learning approaches will be used in this module including reflective learning, class discussion, lectures and critical writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Write a research proposal outlining the theory, design, and analysis of a field experiment of your choice. Week 10 n/a Graded No

50
Examination: Two-hour end of trimester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.