PUBL 611: Causal Inference
Tuesdays 4:30-7 pm
Instructor Jane Arnold Lincove
OVERVIEW AND COURSE OBJECTIVES
A central goal of evaluation and policy research is estimating the causal effect of an intervention, program, or policy change on behaviors and outcomes. Often a randomized experiment can provide the best causal evidence. However, in many policy contexts experiments are infeasible or unethical, and alternative research designs and analytic strategies can be employed to address causal questions.
This course provides instruction and practice in research designs and analytic strategies that are commonly employed to address causal questions in evaluation and policy research such as propensity score matching, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, difference-in-differences, and others. We will consider the underlying logic of each method, how and when to apply them to a policy research question, model assumptions and how they can be tested, and data requirements and limitations. Students will learn from illustrative examples and hands-on experience using data and Stata statistical software.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
· assess the appropriateness of different research designs and analytic strategies
· apply different research designs and analytic strategies to estimate specific causal relationships
· test the validity of assumptions upon which different research designs and analytic strategies rest
· interpret results
· communicate methods and results to a policy audience
PREREQUISITES
Students should have prior experience with regression analysis and statistical software (preferably Stata). PUBL 600 (Research Methods) and PUBL 604 (Statistical Analysis) or similar coursework are required.
PUBL 604: Statistical Analysis
(taught by Professor Lincove on Wednesdays at 7:10pm)
An introduction to the concepts and methods of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Bi-variate and multi-variate statistical techniques are discussed. (Also listed as SOCY 604.)
Prerequisites: PUBL 600 or SOCY 600 or equivalent, college algebra and consent of instructor.
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Who’s in your network these days? Sure, you have plenty of Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook friends-- but are you connected with professionals within your career field of interest? Networking and developing relationships with professionals are some the most effective ways of learning how to navigate your career path. Who knows -- someone in your professional network may have an opportunity for you to take your first or next career step!
Below are a few tips on how to go beyond your social network and make professional connections!
Tip 1: Ask everybody for advice, ideas, leads and referrals
You may gain a lot of insight just by listening to the fascinating and inspiring career stories from professionals in your field. Many professionals (new and seasoned) are happy to talk about their career pathways with aspiring professionals just like you! Politely asking them if they could share a little time with you in person (preferably); or via email –could open up the opportunity for you to discover key facts and details about someone who is “actually doing” the things you are considering doing in the future. Furthermore, they also might help you find “insider” opportunities for internships, part-time jobs or high-profile volunteering assignments.
Tip 2: Create a professional email and/or professional networking profile
LinkedInis a social network created primarily for building professional connections. Your profile serves as an interactive resume, where you can list your professional experience and educational credentials. You can join professional groups and search and apply for jobs. There are more than 51,800 UMBC alumni currently on LinkedIn! Sign up here: https://www.linkedin.com/
Tip 3: Start Connecting at UMBC!
Build Your Network - http://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/
The Career Centerhosts networking events and job fairs on a regular basis. Participate in informational interviews, Networking 101, LinkedIn 101 or join the UMBC-Alumni Student Networking Group on LinkedIn!
April is Career Month – http://careermonth.umbc.edu/
Are you ready for the Career Road Trip Challenge? This month, you can attend events/presentations, grab badges along the way, get connected to the rest of the world and explore professional options!
Shriver Center – http://shrivercenter.umbc.edu/
There are many career networking and professional mentorship opportunities which are available through the range of services, programs and initiatives sponsored by the Shriver Center – especially with respect to civic engagement and community based service delivery.
And Remember…
Follow up, follow up, and follow up (you get the point) – with your professional contacts! Whether it’s sending them an email every few months, or a message through Linked In, or placing a call to check in – it’s important to maintain all of the connections you make. They’ll be sure to come in handy when you are ready to make your next step!
Join us for a week of activities to highlight the Baltimore refugee populations and learn more about how YOU can get involved. Students are welcome at all of the week's events. FREE Snacks and Food are provided!
Monday, April 23: Eritrean Teatime in the Breezeway
Tuesday, April 24, 5-7pm: Guest lecturer Dawit Gebremichael Habte Apartment's Community Center
Wednesday, April 25, 6-8:30pm: Across the World in 9 Plates! Skylight Room
Thursday, April 26, 5-7pm: Get Involved! Advocacy Event Lower Flat Tuesdays
Friday, April 27, 6-8:30pm: Cultural Exposé Sports Zone
]]>Address Registration Blocks and Holds Early!
Check your myUMBC account now to be sure you have no outstanding obligations to the university that could prevent you from registering. Please note that you can still receive advising authorization even if you have an administrative hold.Having your advising clearance in place will help you to register immediately after your hold is removed.
Newly admitted students for the fall semester may not register for courses until Orientation. Please sign up for summer Orientation.
Understand the fundamentals of qualitative research and how it differs from quantitative research. Events will focus on three key elements of qualitative research: why it matters, how to design a qualitative research project, and how to incorporate observational data into your work. Thursday, May 3: Why do a Qualitative Study? Thursday, May 10: Flexible Design and the Rigor Needed Thursday, May 17: Becoming Sherlock: How To Master the Art of Observational Data
The 11th Annual Service-Learning & Civic Engagement Conference (SLCE) draws together students, faculty, staff, and community partners from the Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic network and beyond for a series of workshops and transformative discussions around civic and community engagement. This year, on Saturday, April 7th, the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore hosts "Get Engaged, Be the Change." The event begins at 10am and concludes at 4:30 pm.
FREE REGISTRATION & TRANSPORTATION - THE GOOGLE FORM HAS IT ALL!
The Shriver Center continues to sponsor this regional event. We will cover the cost of registration, but you must use a special code provided in the Google Form (see the link below). UMES is just under 3 hours from UMBC. Towson University colleagues coordinated a bus that will stop at UMBC along the way to UMES. In order to get to the conference on time (and to get breakfast), the bus will arrive at UMBC @ 7 am.
The weather prediction has greatly improved for Saturday. The SLCE Conference Planning Committee is keeping an eye on it. Colleague Alexis Logan-Brown is riding the bus and will be the most informed about delays and/or cancellation. Her contact info is in the Google Form https://goo.gl/forms/5kDj2UtPafcvZ6rm1
To learn more about the history of SLCE involving UMBC and the Shriver Living Learning Community, visit:
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