MAEN5300 Research Methods and Ethics Course description

Econometrics is a methods course that deals with the use of economic theory and statistical techniques to analyze economic data. The course prepares students for data analyst positions in economics, business, finance, and government. The course is compulsory for students who major in Economics or Finance. The course will cover the following topics:

• Regressions with Panel Data
• Instrumental Variables
• RegressionExperiments and Quasi-experiments
• Regression Analysis of Time Series Data

None

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• in-depth knowledge of the research process for the Master’s thesis
• knowledge of induction, deduction and abduction as scientific approaches
• knowledge of the structure and content of scientific articles and dissertations
• knowledge for assessing research ethical issues related to one’s own project
• knowledge of the characteristics of situations that can be considered plagiarism and corruption
• knowledge of the organization and funding of research in Norway and in Europe
• knowledge of common problems and possible solutions in connection with the completion of a master's thesis

Skills

The student is capable of:

• applying relevant methods for research or development work in one’s own work
• using online search technology to find relevant information
• applying relevant resources for clarifying and finding solutions to ethical issues
• using relevant technological knowledge and scientific methods and principles when planning and conducting the Master's thesis

General competance

The student is capable of:

• conducting an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in line with current research ethics norms
• evaluating research ethical issues in connection with the planning and implementation of a master's thesis
• analyzing complex technological issues and contributing to innovative and sustainable solutions

The course will be taught through lectures and in-class exercises. The course will also make use of software for data analysis.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: Coursework 1 consists of 4 problem sets the students may submit individually or in groups of up to four students:
  • Problem set 1 (due in January)
  • Problem set 2 (due in February)
  • Problem set 3 (due in March)
  • Problem set 4 (due in April)

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit a new or an improved version by the given deadline.

The exam in the course is a supervised exam of 4 hours.

The following aids are permitted:

• A digital calculator (Desmos Scientific) will be available at the exam. You are not allowed to bring your own calculator.
• One dictionary (either first language-English/English-first language or English/English)

Grade scale A-F

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Åshild Johnsen