Quantitative Analysis I

RESEARCH PROJECT (TERM PAPER) GUIDELINES

Purpose

This document provides you with a detailed guidance to write the research paper is worth 200 points of the grade for the course. You must follow the guidelines as closely as possible. If you have any confusion or question, please ask me for clarification. The Project is due TWO WEEKS before the last class.

Components of the term paper

The paper that you are going to write should have the following elements.

1. Identification of the problem/issue
2. Theorization of the problem to as much detail as possible
3. Construction the mathematical model
4. General assumptions about the linear regression model and the parameters for your model
5. Description, method of collection, and source(s) of data
6. Application of statistical/quantitative methods and its justification
7. Reporting and analysis of the results
8. Conclusions
9. References
10. Footnotes/endnotes

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE COMPONENTS

1. Identification of the problem/issue

State very clearly the problem/issue you are investigating. Mention why this is an interesting and important exercise. Also mention what you hope to learn at the end of your analysis and how your analysis might be helpful to others.

2. Theorization of the problem/issue

Give a theoretical description of the relationship between/among the variables in question to as much detail as possible. Example Keynesian consumption function.

3. Construction of the relevant mathematical/regression model

Present the variables and the relationship between/among them in mathematical form. Define them and explain what is what.

Example of a consumption function:

C_t = a   + b Y_d + U

4. Assumptions about linear regression model in general and the parameters of your model

List general assumptions of the classical linear regression model from your text.

Under your own theory, what do you assume about the relationship between/among the dependent and explanatory variables and the parameters of the model

5. Description, method of collection, and source(s) of data

What kind of data you are going to use to estimate your model? Define your data. What is your sample size? Why is it so?

Give the detailed source(s) and/or collection method of data.

6. Application of statistical/quantitative methods

Describe in detail the statistical techniques that you are using. Describe why you are using a particular technique/methodology over other.

7. Reporting and analysis of results

Estimated equation

Summary statistics, t, R², SEE (standard error of estimates)

Analysis of them

8. Conclusions

The purpose of this section is pretty straightforward. If somebody barely has enough time to read about one page or less then the right section would be the conclusion section. Here you need to answer the following: What is the central message of your research? How can others use the insight that your research generates? What is your main advice? This section MUST BE absolutely non-technical in nature. Even a non-specialist should be able to read this section and understand the main features of your work. You should also include the limitations of your research? You should give future research direction as well.