Applied econometrics, known to aficionados as 'metrics, is the original data science. 'Metrics encompasses the statistical methods economists use to untangle cause and effect in human affairs. Through accessible discussion and with a dose of kung fu-themed humor, Mastering 'Metrics presents the essential tools of econometric research and demonstrates why econometrics is exciting and useful. The five most valuable econometric methods, or what the authors call the Furious Five--random assignment, regression, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, and differences in differences--are illustrated through well-crafted real-world examples (vetted for awesomeness by Kung Fu Panda's Jade Palace). Does health insurance make you healthier? Randomized experiments provide answers. Are expensive private colleges and selective public high schools better than more pedestrian institutions? Regression analysis and a regression discontinuity design reveal the surprising truth. When private banks teeter, and depositors take their money and run, should central banks step in to save them? Differences-in-differences analysis of a Depression-era banking crisis offers a response. Could arresting O. J. Simpson have saved his ex-wife's life? Instrumental variables methods instruct law enforcement authorities in how best to respond to domestic abuse. Wielding econometric tools with skill and confidence, Mastering 'Metrics uses data and statistics to illuminate the path from cause to effect. * Shows why econometrics is important* Explains econometric research through humorous and accessible discussion* Outlines empirical methods central to modern econometric practice* Works through interesting and relevant real-world examples

The core methods in today's econometric toolkit are linear regression for statistical control, instrumental variables methods for the analysis of natural experiments, and differences-in-differences methods that exploit policy changes. In the modern experimentalist paradigm, these techniques address clear causal questions such as: Do smaller classes increase learning? Should wife batterers be arrested? How much does education raise wages? "Mostly Harmless Econometrics" shows how the basic tools of applied econometrics allow the data to speak.

In addition to econometric essentials, "Mostly Harmless Econometrics" covers important new extensions--regression-discontinuity designs and quantile regression--as well as how to get standard errors right. Joshua Angrist and Jorn-Steffen Pischke explain why fancier econometric techniques are typically unnecessary and even dangerous. The applied econometric methods emphasized in this book are easy to use and relevant for many areas of contemporary social science.An irreverent review of econometric essentials A focus on tools that applied researchers use most Chapters on regression-discontinuity designs, quantile regression, and standard errors Many empirical examples A clear and concise resource with wide applications"

La econometría aplicada es la ciencia de los datos en su estado original, y engloba los métodos estadísticos que se usan en economía para desentrañar causas y efectos de las actividades humanas. Con un lenguaje accesible y algunas dosis de humor con sabor a kung-fu, esta obra expone las herramientas esenciales del análisis econométrico y desvela por qué la econometría es una disciplina tan apasionante y útil.¿Mejoran la salud los seguros médicos? ¿Son mejores las universidades de élite que otro tipo de centros académicos? Cuando la banca privada se tambalea, y los inversores toman el dinero y huyen, ¿deben acudir en su ayuda los bancos centrales? Angrist y Pischke nos muestran que, con los métodos adecuados, la econometría es capaz de ofrecernos respuestas a preguntas tan dispares como estas.