Course Name: Causal Inference for Marketing Research
Time and place: from 22 to 23 June 2026 at Aalto Business School (Summer 2026)
Learning goal and objectives: after completing the course, the student is able to:
· Address Bias in Regression: Identify omitted variable bias and use instrumental variables (IV) to correct endogeneity.
· Analyze Panel Data: Apply fixed and random effects models to account for time and individual variations.
· Use Quasi-Experimental Methods – Implement natural experiments and Difference-in-Differences (DID) for causal research.
Instruction and Examination
This course provides an overview of causal research methods, focusing on their strengths and limitations. It covers key econometric techniques for identifying causal relationships, instrumental variables, panel data methods, and quasi-experimental designs. Students will also explore practical aspects such as data collection, analysis, and model development. The primary emphasis is on applying these methods to rigorously test causal relationships in marketing research.
Syllabus:
· Day 1 (Monday):
o 9:00-10:30 Panel Data
o 10:30-12:00 Fixed Effects and Random Effects
o 13:00-16:00 Online workshop: Work on a panel data analysis project. Apply fixed and random effects models to a dataset of choice.
· Day 2 (Tuesday):
o 9:00-10:30 Omitted Variable Bias and Instrumental Variables
o 10:30-12:00 Quasi-Experiments, Difference-in-Differences (DID) Approach.
o 13:00-16:00 Online workshop:Case study on omitted variable bias and instrumental variables. Identify suitable instruments and assess their validity.
Credits: 4 ECTS
Grading:
Students will select an empirical paper relevant to their field and prepare a presentation summarizing its research question, empirical approach, identification strategy, and a critical evaluation of its methodological choices.
Format of the proposal: PowerPoint, 15 slides.
Prerequisites: Preliminary knowledge in experimental design/causal inference
Admittance: 25 students are admitted to the course.
To apply for enrollment in the course, please send an email to the course coordinator, Anastasia Nanni. The application period ends on April 30, 2026.
Instructors:
Verdiana Giannetti
Assistant Professor, Marketing Department.
Leeds University Business School.
Course coordinator and contact information:
Anastasia Nanni,
Assistant Professor,Marketing Department.
Aalto Business School. anastasia.nanni@aalto.fi
Phone: +358 50467784