Researchers

Andrew Chesher, Frank Windmeijer
Institute for Fiscal Studies

Aims and objectives

To date the CeMMAP Master Classes have focussed on topics in the area of the theory of research methods. In this programme the scope of three Master Classes is extended to focus on particular substantive research questions in the social sciences.

Examples in the economics of education include: what are the returns to an additional year of compulsory schooling; what benefit accrues to other than an individual when the individual makes an investment in education. Examples in the field of health economics include: how can government intervene to change the diets of people; what are the distributional consequences of agricultural policy changes that affect food producers costs. Examples in the field of labour economics include: what is the impact of training programmes and other interventions on labour market (e.g. unemployment) experience.

Widening access for doctoral students

Access to the Master Classes for students registered at a UK HE institution is enhanced by the provision of six bursaries per Master Classs to partly cover the cost of travel and subsistence.

How to apply

Individuals can apply for bursaries by sending a letter and cv accompanying the booking form that can be found on the CeMMAP web site, http://cemmap.ifs.org.uk/events_mc.shtml

Overview

The Master Classes will:

• study the design of existing, completed research investigations of the topic of interest
• examine how research design impacts on the results obtained
• chart the development of research and its design on the question of interest
• identify issues not resolved by research to date
• consider how alternative research designs can address these issues

An important element in this new Master Class series will be interaction between lecturers and participants. This will take place through informal discussion and arising from presentations made by Master Class participants.

This new Master Class series will be unique in that it will consider research methodology in the light of its effectiveness in answering substantive questions arising in the social sciences. The series will inform participants about the subject under study, about the strengths and weaknesses of extant research designs and lead to an understanding of the possibilities for progress in the areas considered.