Abstract

This seminar introduces the Difference-in-Differences (DiD) method, an approach for estimating causal effects in observational settings. The presentation outlines the fundamental principles of DiD and applies it to a real-world case: the impact of secessionist mobilization in Catalonia on inter-ethnic trust. Using experimental data from trust games conducted before and after the mobilization, and comparing results from Catalonia (treatment group) and the Basque Country (control group), the study finds that political mobilization increased in-group trust among Spanish-speaking participants in Catalonia. The presentation discusses methodological assumptions, particularly the parallel trends requirement, and explores broader implications for ethnic relations and trust.