Waddell, GlenMinard, Simeon2019-09-182019-09-182019-09-18https://hdl.handle.net/1794/24889This dissertation includes previously unpublished co-authored material. The first chapter of this dissertation outlines a new method of estimating the synthetic control technique that has a number of desirable properties. The second chapter causally infers a positive property crime impact of supply side drug intervention, and important policy result. The third and final chapter outlines an method of variable selection in linear regression to be used to decrease bias and increase precision.en-USAll Rights Reserved.Electronic Thesis or Dissertation