PhD Course

Advanced Research Designs and Methods of Causal Inference

Course Description: The goal of this course is to equip students with a practical and comprehensive set of tools conducting high-quality empirical research in the field of legal studies. The course focuses on the theory and practice of causal inference in empirical legal studies. Students will learn how to design and evaluate research that seeks to identify casual relationships, using both qualitative (eg. comparative case studies, process-tracing) and quantitative (eg. difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, instrumental variables) research. Students will learn to understand the logic behind each method, recognize when, and how to use them appropriately in their own research and critically assess published studies that employ these techniques. See more: EDLE courses 2026_2027

Prior Requirements: Introductory knowledge of statistics is expected

When: From 27 October to 15 December 2026.

Max External Participants: No limit

Course Coordinator and registration via: Dr. Aylin Aydin-Cakir

Registration deadline: Anytime before the start of the course. Please e-mail Dr. Aylin Aydin-Cakir to register and for more information.