Course # 48150 Section Number 1 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 9:30am-10:50am Term Spring 2026 Course Instructor Yana Gallen This course guides students through the process of developing their own independent research papers in applied economics. Students will identify empirical research questions, formulate hypotheses, and design strategies to test them using modern methods of causal inference. The course emphasizes hands-on work: students will draft research proposals, refine them through feedback, and produce well-structured papers grounded in credible empirical analysis. Along the way, students will gain exposure to core identification strategies and learn how to apply them to their own topics. The goal is to equip students with the skills to carry out high-quality, policy-relevant research. Notes Harris MACRM students only. Course Sections Quarter Course # Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2026 PPHA 48150/1 Research Methods (MACRM) Yana Gallen Tuesday, Thursday 9:30am-10:50am Recent News More news Student Profile: Nino Rodriguez, PhD, PAC’25, PWC’25, MPP Class of 2027 Wed., February 04, 2026 $20 Million Gift from Thomas Francis Dunn, AB’81, MBA’86 and Susan Knapp Dunn, AB’82, Launches a New Lab at the Harris School to Advance Emerging Field of Algorithmic Public Policy Wed., February 04, 2026 When Aid Arrives Matters: Early Cash Transfers Improve Outcomes After Floods Mon., February 02, 2026 Upcoming Events More events Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB) Policy Hackathon Challenge Deep Dive Tue., February 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM Preparing for Harris: Teaching Assistantships Wed., February 11, 2026 | 8:30 AM Coffee Chat in Western Massachusetts Wed., February 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM Tunnel City Coffee 100 Spring St #102 Williamstown, MA 01267 United States