Microdata Methods and Practice

supported by the EU 6th Research Framework and Marie Curie Research Training Actions

Research Programme

The research programme of the Network has two primary elements: (1) the development of microdata research tools and the evaluation of their performance, (2) encouragement and support of best practice application of microdata research methods to substantive social science research questions. The Network will place strong emphasis on dissemination of the results of its work, on actively engaging public and private sector users of microdata in its work, and on training researchers.

Areas in which research on microdata methods will be conducted include the following: Nonparametric methods for the analysis of consumer demand; Identification and estimation of the distribution of the impact of policy interventions; Methods for analysis of panel data including nonlinear panel data modelling and analysis of panels with large time series and cross section dimensions; Identification and estimation of the general equilibrium effects of policy interventions; and Methods for semi- and nonparametric estimation of systems of conditional quantile regression functions.

Much of the research to be conducted by the Network falls under the following substantive themes:

• Consumer behaviour and economic welfare;
• Policy and programme evaluation methods;
• The empirical analysis of games and auctions;
• Methods for longitudinal/panel data analysis;
• Labour markets;
• Health.

These six themes and the Network's general interest in methodological development, will serve as focal points for training, research collaboration and interaction between partners and affiliated nodes. Interaction between teams will be feasible and encouraged in all themes.