Ethics in Econometrics

Econometricians make choices on data, models, and estimation routines. Using various examples, this book shows the consequences of choices.

This book is useful for applied researchers to learn what they encounter in the real world outside of textbooks. It is useful for academics who use econometric methods for specific research questions. And it is useful for students to gain awareness of aspects of proper research practice.Applied econometrics uses the tools of theoretical econometrics and real-word data to develop predictive models and assess economic theories. Due to the complex nature of such analysis, various assumptions are often not understood by those people who rely on it. The danger of this is that economic policies can be assessed favourably to suit a particular political agenda and forecasts can be generated to match the needs of a particular customer. Ethics in Econometrics argues that econometricians need to be aware of potential ethical pitfalls when carrying out their analysis and that they need to be encouraged to avoid them. Using a range of empirical examples and detailed discussions of real cases, this book provides a guide for research practices in econometrics, illustrating why it is imperative that econometricians act ethically in terms of the way they conduct their analysis and treat their data.