Chapter 1 Introduction

Part 1: Foundations

Chapter 2 Causal Complexity and the Limits to InferentialValidity

Chapter 3 The Logic of Robustness Tests

Chapter 4 The Concept of Robustness

Chapter 5 A Typology of Robustness Tests

Chapter 6 Alternatives to Robustness Testing

Part 2: Research Design Uncertainy

Chapter 7 Population and Sample

Chapter 8 Concept Validity and Measurement

Chapter 9 Explanatory and Omitted Variables

Chapter 10 Functional Forms Beyond Default

Chapter 11 Causal Heterogeneity and Context Conditionality

Chapter 12 Structural Change and Temporal Heterogeneity

Chapter 13 Dynamics

Chapter 14 Spatial Correlation and Dependence

Chapter 15 The Normative Dimensions of Robustness Testing

The course provides knowledge about robustness testing including

- an advanced understand of the the nature of model uncertainty and the concept of robustness

- insights into the multidimensionality of model uncertainty and model specification

- knowledge of different types of robustness test

The courses uses a mixture of various didactic strategies including

- lecturing

- discussion

- examples

- data analyses

Assessment is based on regular homework -- participants are expected to conduct specific robustness tests preferably using their own data. If this is not possible, replication data can be freely chosen or will be provided (50 percent).

Participation in classroom discussions (10 percent).

Presentation(s) using either powerpoint or adobe acrobat (40 percent).