The course Empirical Economics is an introduction to econometrics. Together with the intensifying course (IC) of the same name, the LVA is intended to enable students to understand and evaluate empirical work. The focus lies on the intuitive acquisition of empirical approaches and the recognition of strengths and limitations of empirical analyses and data used. These skills are not only indispensable in the context of economic analyses, but are also very valuable in business practice or for the assessment of (economic) political debates.

In a further step, the students are introduced to formulate (their own) simple empirical questions, collect useful data, select and apply suitable empirical methods, and  formulate a meaningful interpretation of the empirical results. Within the framework of the IC, an introduction to the statistical/econometric software package Stata will be provided.

The programme is primarily aimed at Bachelor students of Economics or Management and Applied Economics , Master students of Economic and Business Analytics, and students from other fields who are interested in empirical questions and methods. The prerequisite for taking part in the course is the positive completion of the course Statistics for Economic and Social Sciences. The understanding of simple economic theory is advantageous.

• Statistical fundamentals
• Estimation and testing
• Data
• Descriptive analysis -- selection
• Linear regression model
• Multivariate linear regressions
• Introduction to causal identification