Enjoyable Econometrics

Description

Econometrics can at first appear a highly technical subject, but it can also equip the practitioner with a useful skillset of smart ways to formulate research questions and collect data. Enjoyable Econometrics applies econometric methods to a variety of unusual and engaging research questions, often beyond the realm of economics, demonstrating the great potential of using such methods to understand a wide range of phenomena. Unlike the typical textbook approach, Enjoyable Econometrics follows in the footsteps of Freakonomics by posing interesting questions first before introducing the methodology to find the answers. Therefore, rather than equation-heavy sections based around complex methodologies, the reader is presented with chapters on 'Money' and 'Fashion, Art and Music'. Franses writes in a way that will enthuse and motivate the economics student embarking upon the essential study of econometrics. Indeed, the book shows that econometric methods can be applied to almost anything.

Philip Hans Franses is Professor of Applied Econometrics and Professor of Marketing Research at the Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. He is an elected Fellow of the International Institute of Forecasters, the Journal of Econometrics and of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has published several books, including A Concise Introduction to Econometrics (Cambridge, 2002), and more than 250 articles in international journals.

'This book is not a breath of fresh air: rather, it is a vacation at a posh tropical resort. This novel and refreshing treatment of econometrics is more than welcome, it is needed. I plan to adopt Franses' book immediately.' Norman Swanson, Rutgers University, New Jersey 'This is an engaging, entertaining, and yes, thoroughly enjoyable introduction to econometrics. By relegating the maths to technical appendices, and putting the questions centre stage, Philip Hans Franses has a written a book which will surely whet the appetites of readers who might be put off by standard textbook treatments. Who wouldn't want to know whether popular music really was better in one's salad days?' Michael P. Clements, University of Reading 'Enjoyable [E]conometrics paints an excellent picture of the relevance, significance, realities, and applications of econometrics as a practical research tool. Franses (Erasmus Univ. Rotterdam, the Netherlands) uses real-life examples to portray vividly the significance of econometrics. The true significance of econometrics to inquiries we make about our lives is presented and discussed in this book. The author's knowledge and understanding of econometrics - as an academic discipline - lead to the banishing of the perennial terror and fear of failure that paralyzes and also chases away most interested students and any others who diligently seek to make effective use of the applications of econometric theory and analyses.' S. B. Adjibolosoo, Choice