Working Paper: NBER ID: w14251
Authors: Guido M. Imbens; Jeffrey M. Wooldridge
Abstract: Many empirical questions in economics and other social sciences depend on causal effects of programs or policiy interventions. In the last two decades much research has been done on the econometric and statistical analysis of the effects of such programs or treatments. This recent theoretical literature has built on, and combined features of, earlier work in both the statistics and econometrics literatures. It has by now reached a level of maturity that makes it an important tool in many areas of empirical research in economics, including labor economics, public finance, development economics, industrial organization and other areas of empirical micro-economics. In this review we discuss some of the recent developments. We focus primarily on practical issues for empirical researchers, as well as provide a historical overview of the area and give references to more technical research.
Keywords: No keywords provided
JEL Codes: C01
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| unconfoundedness (C20) | causal estimates (C20) |
| treatment assignment mechanisms (C90) | valid causal inference (C20) |
| instrumental variables (C36) | causal links (C22) |
| exposure to treatment (C90) | outcomes (P47) |
| randomized experiments (C90) | causal links (C22) |
| regression discontinuity designs (C93) | causal links (C22) |