Joshua D. Angrist

Jörn-Steffen Pischke

Applied econometrics, known to aficionados as 'metrics, is the original data science. 'Metrics encompasses the statistical methods economists use to untangle cause and effect in human affairs. Through accessible discussion and with a dose of kung fu–themed humor, Mastering 'Metrics presents the essential tools of econometric research and demonstrates why econometrics is exciting and useful. The five most valuable econometric methods, or what the authors call the Furious Five--random assignment, regression, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, and differences in differences--are illustrated through well-crafted real-world examples (vetted for awesomeness by Kung Fu Panda's Jade Palace). Does health insurance make you healthier? Randomized experiments provide answers. Are expensive private colleges and selective public high schools better than more pedestrian institutions? Regression analysis and a regression discontinuity design reveal the surprising truth. When private banks teeter, and depositors take their money and run, should central banks step in to save them? Differences-in-differences analysis of a Depression-era banking crisis offers a response. Could arresting O. J. Simpson have saved his ex-wife's life? Instrumental variables methods instruct law enforcement authorities in how best to respond to domestic abuse. Wielding econometric tools with skill and confidence, Mastering 'Metrics uses data and statistics to illuminate the path from cause to effect. Shows why econometrics is important Explains econometric research through humorous and accessible discussion Outlines empirical methods central to modern econometric practice Works through interesting and relevant real-world examples

The Path from Cause to Effect

Mastering 'Metrics

In addition to econometric essentials, this book covers important new extensions as well as how to get standard errors right. The authors explain why fancier econometric techniques are typically unnecessary and even dangerous.

An Empiricist's Companion

Mostly Harmless Econometrics

From Joshua Angrist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, and Jörn-Steffen Pischke, an irreverent guide to the essentials of econometrics The core methods in today's econometric toolkit are linear regression for statistical control, instrumental variables methods for the analysis of natural experiments, and differences-in-differences methods that exploit policy changes. In the modern experimentalist paradigm, these techniques address clear causal questions such as: Do smaller classes increase learning? Should wife batterers be arrested? How much does education raise wages? Mostly Harmless Econometrics shows how the basic tools of applied econometrics allow the data to speak. In addition to econometric essentials, Mostly Harmless Econometrics covers important new extensions—regression-discontinuity designs and quantile regression—as well as how to get standard errors right. Joshua Angrist and Jörn-Steffen Pischke explain why fancier econometric techniques are typically unnecessary and even dangerous. The applied econometric methods emphasized in this book are easy to use and relevant for many areas of contemporary social science. An irreverent review of econometric essentials A focus on tools that applied researchers use most Chapters on regression-discontinuity designs, quantile regression, and standard errors Many empirical examples A clear and concise resource with wide applications

Daron Acemoglu

In the standard model of human capital with perfect labor markets, workers pay for general training. When labor market frictions compress the structure of wages, firms may invest in the general skills of their employees. The reason is that the distortion in the wage structure turns "technologically" general skills into "specific" skills. Labor market frictions and institutions, such as minimum wages and union wage setting, are crucial in shaping the wage structure, and thus have an important impact on training. Our results suggest that the more frictional and regulated labor markets in Europe and Japan may generate more firm-sponsored general training than the U.S.

The Structure of Wages and Investment in General Training

In contrast to the standard Beckerian theory which predicts that firms should never pay for training in skills which are equally valuable to others firms, develops a theory which explains why, in a non-competitive labour market, firms will find it profitable to invest in such general training. Investigates some of the implications of the theory using microdata from German firms with apprenticeship programmes.

Theory and Evidence

Why Do Firms Train?

Joshua David Angrist

"Written by true 'masters of 'metrics, ' this book is perfect for those who wish to study this important subject. Using real-world examples and only elementary statistics, Angrist and Pischke convey the central methods of causal inference with clarity and wit."--Hal Varian, chief economist at Google "With humor and rigor, this book explores key approaches in applied econometrics. The authors present accessible, interesting examples--using data-heavy figures and graphic-style comics--to teach practitioners the intuition and statistical understanding they need to become masters of 'metrics. A must-read for anyone using data to investigate questions of causality!"--Melissa S. Kearney, University of Maryland and the Brookings Institution "This valuable book connects the dots between mathematical formulas, statistical methods, and real-world policy analysis. Reading it is like overhearing a conversation between two grumpy old men who happen to be economists--and I mean this in the best way possible."--Andrew Gelman, Columbia University "Modern econometrics is more than just a set of statistical tools--causal inference in the social sciences requires a careful, inquisitive mindset. "Mastering 'Metrics" is an engaging, fun, and highly accessible guide to the paradigm of causal inference."--David Deming, Harvard University "Few fields of statistical inquiry have seen faster progress over the last several decades than causal inference. With an engaging, insightful style, Angrist and Pischke catch readers up on five powerful methods in this area. If you seek to make causal inferences, or understand those made by others, you will want to read this book as soon as possible."--Gary King, Harvard University "Posing several well-chosen empirical questions in social science, "Mastering 'Metrics" develops methods to provide the answers and applies them to interesting datasets. This book will motivate beginning students to understand econometrics, with an appreciation of its strengths and limits."--Gary Chamberlain, Harvard University "Focusing on five econometric tools, "Mastering 'Metrics" presents key econometric concepts. Any field that uses statistical techniques to conduct causal inference will find this book useful."--Melvyn Weeks, University of Cambridge

Jörn-Steffen Pischke

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