Essays in Applied Microeconomics

Abstract

This dissertation investigates effects of policies on the behavior of economic agents. Economic models of individual decisions, which are affected by policy environment, have been developed. These models have been estimated using the appropriate estimation methods. The results have been used to quantify the effects of implemented or alternative policies. Both chapters of this dissertation use economic reasoning to shed light on policy relevant questions. In the first chapter, I investigate the effect of the clean air act amendments of 1990 on the behavior of coal mines using a standard entry/exit model in industrial organization (IO). In the second chapter, I investigate the effect of tort policies on the performance of the litigation system for medical malpractice cases using a bargaining game between patient and physician's lawyer. So in the first chapter I quantify the effect of an implemented policy while in the second chapter I quantify the effects of alternative policies.

Committee Chair

Barton Hamilton

Committee Members

Juan Pantano, Bruce Petersen, Joseph Cullen, Carl Sanders, John Nachbar

Comments

Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7JM27KP

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Author's Department

Economics

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Summer 5-15-2013

Language

English (en)

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