Econometrics Research

Project 1 — Generational Effects of Immigration Status on Income

Generational Effects of Immigration Status on Income and Predictors of Income examines the impact of generational immigrant status on income and educational attainment in Canada. Using 2021 national census data, we conduct a regression analysis to estimate the effects of generational immigrant status on income and degree attainment. Our findings suggest that first-generation immigrants earn less than non-immigrants, while second-generation immigrants earn more than non-immigrants. However, first-generation immigrants are more likely to attain a bachelor's degree, followed by second-generation immigrants, and then non-immigrants.

Project 2 — Metered Choices

Metered Choices: Analyzing the Impact of Parking Prices on Public Transit Ridership in Metro Vancouver examines the relationship between parking meter prices and public transit ridership in Metro Vancouver, analyzing how varying parking costs impact an individual's decision to use public transportation. We discuss how demographic and socioeconomic factors — income level, age, and car ownership — moderate this relationship. By modelling these dynamics, our research aims to provide insights into policy measures that could optimize public transit usage and reduce car dependency in urban areas.

Process

The research processes of both projects were fairly similar. After deciding who to work with, my group and I discussed what topics interested us and whether finding a unique insight on those topics was feasible. We would then find a dataset and develop a methodology or a statistical model to answer our research question.

In both projects, I was responsible for coding, developing our methodology, and writing large parts of the paper. In Project 2, because our research question was causal, I researched under what conditions our findings would estimate a causal relationship and how to model this.

Results

Project 1 achieved a grade of 90%. Project 2 achieved a grade of 88%.