About this Course

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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.

Learner Career Outcomes

17%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

17%

got a pay increase or promotion

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Skills you will gain

Difference In DifferencesInstrumental VariableCausal InferenceCausality

Learner Career Outcomes

17%

got a tangible career benefit from this course

17%

got a pay increase or promotion

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: English

Instructor

Instructor rating

3.81/5 (11 Ratings)

Anders Holm

Professor

Department of Sociology

12,671 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Week 1

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 hour to complete

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

1 video

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

1 reading

Course information10m

2 practice exercises

Module 1 Lecture Quiz30m

Module 1 Case Quiz30m

Week

2

Week 2

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 hour to complete

1 video (Total 12 min)

1 video

Lecture 2 - The Multivariate Regression Model and Mediating Factors11m

2 practice exercises

Module 2 Lecture Quiz30m

Module 2 Case Quiz30m

Week

3

Week 3

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 hour to complete

1 video (Total 16 min)

1 video

Lecture 3 - Randomized Controlled Trials 15m

2 practice exercises

Module 3 Lecture Quiz30m

Module 3 Case Quiz30m

Week

4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Instrumental Variables

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

2 hours to complete

1 video (Total 23 min)

1 video

Lecture 4 - Instrumental Variables23m

3 practice exercises

Module 4 Lecture Quiz30m

Module 4a Case Quiz30m

Module 4b Case Quiz30m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
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Measuring Causal Effects in the Social Sciences