Department of Economics
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Michael S. Hanson Department of Economics |
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| Research Paper for Economics 300, Spring 2002 |
| Step 1: | Read the Guidelines for Research Papers (PDF). You may also find it very informative to read Carrying out an Empirical Project (chapter 19 of Introductory Econometrics by Jeffrey Wooldridge; large PDF). |
| Step 2: | Find an interesting topic, suitable for statistical analysis. Once you think you have an idea (and especially if you do not), come discuss it with me during office hours before the proposal is due on April 18. |
| Step 3: |
Find 1 to 3 academic papers that use statistical techniques to
analyze your issue or a related issue. Magazine or
newspaper articles are good ways to motivate a topic, but
you will need to examine original statistical research as well.
Some places to look for such papers:
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| Step 4: | Begin to collect your data. If you will be collecting your own sample, come talk with me. If you plan to use published data, be certain to have the data in a computer-readable format. Collecting data is a critical -- not to mention time-consuming -- part of this project, so see me (or e-mail me) if you have any questions. Ideally you should have all your data together before writing your proposal. Some places to look for published data on-line: |
| Step 5: |
Write a 2-3 page proposal. Proposals are due in class on
Thursday, April 18. Proposals should include a discussion of your
topic, relevant prior research, and the data and the statistical
techniques you will use. Attach a peer-reviewed copy of your proposal.
(See the
Guidelines for Research Papers for more information.)
If you would like additional assistance with your writing, consult with the Writing Workshop or come speak with me. |
| Step 6: |
Conduct your statistical analysis and write your research paper.
You should come speak
with me about your progress in late November or early December; I will
schedule extra office hours for these meetings if necessary.
Research papers are due at my office by 4 PM on Friday, May 10. No late papers will be accepted. Two copies of your paper must be submitted on or before that date: (1) a printed copy and (2) an electronic copy. The latter must be in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. (Software to create PDF files is available in the PAC datalab and most other labs on campus. Check with a lab consultant for help.) You can either e-mail the electronic copy to me (preferred) or bring it to my office on a diskette. Failure to submit both copies will constitute an incomplete assignment, and thus no credit on the paper. If you have any questions about anything related to your project, do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or in person. |
| Step 7: | Relax! Take a break, then start studying for the final exam, which will be held 9 AM - 12 noon on Tuesday, May 14, in PAC 125. |