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Curricular information is subject to change
At the end of the module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge on recent methodological advances in the design and analysis of field experiments.
- Gain knowledge of influential field experiments in the social sciences and discuss their implications for policy.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of field experiments.
- Apply practical experience in designing a field experiment and writing and communicating about experimental research.
The module will include a range of topics covering both the theoretical and practical aspects of field experiments. Interspersed between these topics we will have a series of lectures showcasing existing field experiments on topics such as early childhood interventions, voter turnout, and discrimination amongst others.
Topic 1: Introduction to Field Experiments
- 1A: Background & History of Field Experiments
- 1B: Causal Impact & Selection Bias
- 1C: Counterfactual Approach to Causal Inference
- 1D: Intervention Design & Evaluation
Topic 2: Randomisation for Field Experiments
- 2A: Introduction to Randomisation
- 2B: Types of Randomisation I
- 2C: Types of Randomisation II
- 2D: Unit of Randomisation
- 2E: Methods of Randomisation
Topic 3: Sample Size for Field Experiments
- 3A: Introduction to Sample Size & Power Analysis
- 3B: Hypothesis Testing & Type I and II Errors
- 3C: How to do a Power Analysis
- 3D: Factors Influencing Power Analysis & Rules of Thumb
Topic 4: Data & Measurement
- 4A: Outcomes & Data
- 4B: Measurement
- 4C: Sources of Measurement Error
Topic 5: Planning
- 5A: Ethics of Field Experiments
- 5B: Ethical Review Process
- 5C: Transparency in Field Experiments
Topic 6: Data Analysis
- 6A: Estimating treatment effects
- 6B: Additional analyses
Topic 7: Threats to Validity
- 7A: Compliance
- 7B: Attrition
- 7C: Spillovers
- 7D: Behavioural Responses
- 7E: Generalisability
Examples of case studies of field experiments
Case Study 1: The ‘Preparing for Life’ early childhood intervention programme
Case Study 2: Voter mobilisation experiments
Case Study 3: Audit studies & discrimination
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 60 |
Total | 84 |
Not applicable to this module.
Description | Timing | Component Scale | % of Final Grade | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment: Write a research proposal outlining the theory, design, and analysis of a field experiment of your choice. | Week 10 | n/a | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 |
Examination: Two-hour end of trimester exam | 2 hour End of Trimester Exam | No | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 |
Resit In | Terminal Exam |
---|---|
Summer | Yes - 2 Hour |
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
Not yet recorded.