Research Methods in Economics
In this report you will present, discuss and critically assess the data that you have collected. This requires you to report the raw data, identify the source(s) of the data, discuss important features or limitations of the dataset (including defining all variables) and explain any manipulations of the data required prior to estimation.
Details:
No more than 3 pages double-spaced of text (tables and the scatterplot are not included in this page limit)
Tables and scatterplot must be produced by SPSS.
Proper grammar, spelling, etc. are important.
Use the headings and instructions below.
Do not forget to number your pages.
1. Introduction (probably about 2-3 sentences)
a. Summarize your topic briefly (include context and, if you reference articles, be sure to include them in a bibliography)
2. Data (approximately 2 pages)
a. Explain whether your data are cross-sectional or time-series
b. Sources of data and variable definitions
c. Data manipulations
d. Critical assessment of data (you need to explain at least one strength and one weakness and consider how these are likely to affect your results)
3. Tables (three)
a. A table that shows each of your observations in your final data set (this is the dataset you will use for your estimation, so it already has whatever manipulations are required)
b. Descriptive statistics (minimum value, maximum value, median value mean value, standard deviation for EACH of the variables), as well as number of observations to be used.
c. A table showing the bivariate correlations between the dependent variable and each of the independent variables (single table)
4. Scatterplot (one)
a. A scatterplot showing your dependent variable and the key independent variable (one in your hypothesis). Include the fitted line (must be done in SPSS).
5. Data References (properly cited - see Heather's notes)
6. Bibliography (if required because you cited an idea or quotation from an article)- this will not count in the three page limit.