Measuring Causal Effects in the Social Sciences

University of Copenhagen

About this Course

How can we know if the differences in wages between men and women are caused by discrimination or differences in background characteristics? In this PhD-level course we look at causal effects as opposed to spurious relationships. We will discuss how they can be identified in the social sciences using quantitative data, and describe how this can help us understand social mechanisms.

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Approx. 6 hours to complete

Suggested: 5 hours/week

English

Subtitles: English

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Approx. 6 hours to complete

Suggested: 5 hours/week

English

Subtitles: English

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

1

Section

1 hour to complete

The Nature of Causal Effects and How to Measure Them

Welcome to the first week of the course! Thıs week we are looking at the nature of causal effects and how to measure them. ...

1 video (Total 12 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes

1 videos

Lecture 1 - The Nature of Causal Effects and How to Measure Them 11m

1 readings

Course information10m

2 practice exercises

Module 1 Lecture Quiz20m

Module 1 Case Quiz6m

2

Section

1 hour to complete

The Multivariate Regression Model and Mediating Factors

This second module introduces you multivariate regression model and the concept of mediating factors....

1 video (Total 12 min), 2 quizzes

1 videos

Lecture 2 - The Multivariate Regression Model and Mediating Factors11m

2 practice exercises

Module 2 Lecture Quiz20m

Module 2 Case Quiz8m

3

Section

1 hour to complete

Randomized Controlled Trials

In this third week of the course we are having a closer look at causality and the randomzied controlled trial....

1 video (Total 16 min), 2 quizzes

1 videos

Lecture 3 - Randomized Controlled Trials 15m

2 practice exercises

Module 3 Lecture Quiz20m

Module 3 Case Quiz6m

4

Section

1 hour to complete

Instrumental Variables

The fourth week of the course we will go through the concept of instrumental variables....

1 video (Total 23 min), 3 quizzes

1 videos

Lecture 4 - Instrumental Variables23m

3 practice exercises

Module 4 Lecture Quiz20m

Module 4a Case Quiz6m

Module 4b Case Quiz8m

5

Section

1 hour to complete

Difference in Difference

The final module of the course deals with the difference in difference. We hope you enjoyed the course and have learned something that you can use in your future work and research. ...

1 video (Total 14 min), 2 quizzes

1 videos

Lecture 5 - Difference in Difference13m

2 practice exercises

Module 5 Lecture Quiz20m

Module 5 Case Cuiz10m

Instructor

Anders Holm

Professor

About University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark - founded in 1479, and with over 38,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. The purpose of the University is to conduct research and provide education to the highest academic level. Based in Denmark's capital city it is one of the top research institutions in Europe. ...

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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Measuring Causal Effects in the Social Sciences