CESR Events

Series resumes Monday, January 26, 2026

Monday, February 2
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Abstract: We consider a generalized method of moments framework in which a part of the data vector is missing for some units in a completely unrestricted, potentially endogenous way. In this setup, the parameters of interest are usually only partially identified. We characterize the identified set for such parameters using the support function of the convex set of moment predictions consistent with the data. This identified set is sharp, valid for both continuous and discrete data, and straightforward to estimate. We also propose a statistic for testing hypotheses and constructing confidence regions for the true parameter, show that standard nonparametric bootstrap may not be valid, and suggest a fix using the bootstrap for directionally differentiable functionals of Fang and Santos (2019). A set of Monte Carlo simulations demonstrates that both our estimator and the confidence region perform well when samples are moderately large and the data have bounded supports.

Monday, February 9
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, February 23
12pm – 1pm
Zoom

Abstract: Psychosocial development interventions often carry implicit cultural assumptions that may conflict with local culture and norms, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Yet, the costs of such cultural incongruence likely vary by context and fade as individuals become familiar with different cultural frames. We study the causal impact of two versions of a psychosocial intervention in a randomized trial with female microfinance members in Vietnam, a setting where different cultural models of agency coexist. Participants received a training emphasizing either independent or interdependent agency, or no training. Both arms improve economic outcomes, and limited heterogeneity by baseline cultural orientation suggests limited costs of cultural incongruence in this setting.

Bio:

Travis J. Lybbert is Professor of Agricultural & Resource Economics at the University of California Davis, Affiliate of J-PAL and the Center for Effective Global Action at UC Berkeley, and Chair of the Standing Panel for Impact Assessment of the CGIAR. He works on topics in applied microeconomics ranging from poverty dynamics, hope and aspirations, and nutrition to digital financial inclusion, agricultural technology adoption, and innovation policy. His collaborations with researchers, students, NGOs, governments, and private firms have addressed questions in a wide range of fields and locations, including India, Haiti, Mexico, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the U.S., and Europe.

Monday, March 2
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Abstract: We study the spillover effects of cognitive decline in one member of a coupled household on the financial outcomes of their partner and assess how “own” and spillover effects are moderated by the structure of household financial decision making. We use a large, nationally representative longitudinal dataset spanning 2000-2017 that includes credit report data merged at the individual level with Medicare claims and enrollment data. We find the own adverse financial consequences of cognitive decline depend on household financial integration and other characteristics associated with household financial management, and find significant, albeit smaller (vs own), adverse financial spillover effects on partners

Bio: Wilbert van der Klaauw is an economic research advisor in Microeconomics. He is also the director of the Center for Microeconomic Data and chair of the Research Group’s Workforce and Recruiting Committee. He is a labor economist and applied econometrician whose research interests include the study of life cycle labor supply and occupational choice decisions, household financial behavior and expectations, the economic determinants of household formation and dissolution, educational investment and productivity, and econometric approaches to program evaluation. Prior to joining the New York Fed, Dr. van der Klaauw was a Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and Assistant Professor at New York University. He holds a Ph.D. from Brown University.

Monday, March 9
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, March 23
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, March 30
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, April 6
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, April 13
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, April 20
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, April 27
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Monday, May 4
12pm – 1pm
VPD 203 and Zoom

Thursday, February 5
9am – 10am
Zoom (See email for Zoom link)

Abstract: Cannabis use is one of the most widely used psychoactive drugs worldwide and shows substantial genetic influence. This talk provides an overview of the genetic studies of cannabis use, drawing on evidence from twin studies, early gene-finding efforts, and large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and secondary analyses of these GWAS results. Twin studies indicate moderate heritability, increasing with more severe use, while recent GWAS have identified multiple associated loci, including CADM2. I will present results from the latest, unpublished GWAS of cannabis use frequency, alongside updated analyses of lifetime use, including trans-ancestry findings. Multivariate and causal genetic analyses reveal substantial shared genetic liability with other substance use and psychiatric disorders.

Bio: Karin Verweij is Professor of Genetics in Psychiatry at Amsterdam UMC (Department of Psychiatry), University of Amsterdam. Her research focuses on the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and human behavior. In particular, she studies substance use and addiction, and the relationship between substance use and psychiatric disorders.

Thursday, March 5
9am – 10am
Zoom (See email for Zoom link)

Thursday, April 2
9am – 10am
Zoom (See email for Zoom link)

Thursday, May 7
9am – 10am
Zoom (See email for Zoom link)

Thursday, June 4
9am – 10am
Zoom (See email for Zoom link)

In its eighth installment, the Current Innovations in Probability-Based Household Internet Panel Research (CIPHER) Conference expands its scope to include artificial intelligence (AI) as a new area of focus. As always, CIPHER builds on a rich legacy of methodological innovation, international collaboration, and emerging data modalities. Bringing together researchers, technologists, and policymakers, this year’s conference will explore how AI can enhance panel design, data quality, respondent engagement, and ethical governance. Join us as we chart the future of probability-based internet panels at the nexus of artificial intelligence and survey science.