Pedace - Econometrics for dummies: a Wiley brand

Econometrics For Dummies

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2013934761

ISBN 978-1-118-53384-0 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-118-53387-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-53388-8 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-53391-8 (ebk)

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About the Author

Roberto Pedace is an associate professor of economics at Scripps College in Claremont, California. Prior to joining the faculty at Scripps College, he held positions at Claremont Graduate University, the University of Redlands, Claremont McKenna College, and the U.S. Census Bureau. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of California, Riverside.

Roberto regularly teaches courses in the areas of statistics, microeconomics, labor economics, and econometrics. While at the University of Redlands, he was nominated for both the Innovative Teaching Award and the Outstanding Teaching Award. At Scripps College, he was recognized for his scholarly achievements by winning the Mary W. Johnson Faculty Achievement Award in Scholarship.

Robertos academic research interests are in the area of labor and personnel economics. His work addresses a variety of important public policy issues, including the effects of immigration on domestic labor markets and the impact of minimum wages on job training and unemployment. He also examines salary determination and personnel decisions in markets for professional athletes. His published work appears in the Southern Economic Journal, the Journal of Sports Economics, Contemporary Economic Policy, Industrial Relations, and other outlets.

Roberto is also a soccer fanatic. Hes been playing soccer since the age of 5, paid for most of his undergraduate education with a soccer scholarship, and had a short semi-professional stint in the USISL (now known as the United Soccer League). He continues to participate in leagues and tournaments but now mostly enjoys sitting on the sidelines watching his children play soccer.

Dedication

To my wife, Cynthia, for supporting me emotionally and being a wonderful mother to our children. To my children, Vincent and Emily, for brightening up my days.

Authors Acknowledgments

None of this would have been possible if my professors hadnt motivated me and given me a solid foundation in economics. My undergraduate adviser at California State University, San Bernardino, Thomas Pierce, opened my eyes to the world of economics and gave me wonderful advice in preparation for graduate school. I was fortunate to have taken several courses from Nancy Rose and Mayo Toruo, who helped me see economics in a different light when standard theory just wasnt helping me understand certain aspects of the world. Kazim Konyar was the first to introduce me to the realm of econometrics and helped me understand how it could be a powerful complement to economic theory. At the University of California, Riverside, Aman Ullahs uncanny ability to make advanced econometric theory comprehensible to a first-year graduate student solidified my interest in the topic. Finally, in his labor economics course and as my dissertation adviser, David Fairris taught me the art of using econometrics to address important economic policy issues.

Many of my econometrics students deserve special gratitude. Several of them stand out: Lora Brill, Megan Cornell, Guadalupe De La Cruz, Matthew Lang, Chandler Lutz, India Mullady, and Stephanie Rohn. Some became friends, a few colleagues, and a couple coauthors, but all inspired me to think of effective approaches to making econometrics accessible, useful, and interesting.

I thank Sean Flynn, my friend and colleague, for believing that Id be the best person to write this book and Linda Roghaar, my literary agent, for listening to Sean and having faith in my ability to complete the project.

The folks at Wiley have also been incredibly supportive. In particular, Id like to thank Jennifer Tebbe, my project editor, for working with me every step of the way and keeping me motivated to stay on track with my deadlines. No matter how long the tunnel, she always helped me see the light at the end. Erin Calligan Mooney, my acquisitions editor at Wiley, also helped me get through my sample chapter and ensured that it would meet the standards of others on the editorial team. My copy editor, Caitie Copple, and technical reviewers, Ariel Belasen and Nicole Bissessar, were ideal for this project. Their eagle eyes were instrumental in finding my mistakes and improving the finished product.