A Mechanism-Based Approach to the Identification of Age–Period–Cohort Models

Christopher Winship and David J. Harding
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Christopher Winship: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, cwinship@wjh.harvard.edu
David J. Harding: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Sociological Methods & Research, 2008, vol. 36, issue 3, 362-401

Abstract: This article offers a new approach to the identification of age–period–cohort (APC) models that builds on Pearl's work on nonparametric causal models, in particular his front-door criterion for the identification of causal effects. The goal is to specify the mechanisms through which the age, period, and cohort variables affect the outcome and in doing so identify the model. This approach allows for a broader set of identification strategies than has typically been considered in the literature and, in many circumstances, goodness of fit tests are possible. The authors illustrate the utility of the approach by developing an APC model for political alienation.

Keywords: APC models; mechanisms; cohorts; front-door criterion; identification strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:somere:v:36:y:2008:i:3:p:362-401

DOI: 10.1177/0049124107310635

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