Matching Methods in Practice: Three Examples

Guido Imbens

No 19959, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: There is a large theoretical literature on methods for estimating causal effects under unconfoundedness, exogeneity, or selection--on--observables type assumptions using matching or propensity score methods. Much of this literature is highly technical and has not made inroads into empirical practice where many researchers continue to use simple methods such as ordinary least squares regression even in settings where those methods do not have attractive properties. In this paper I discuss some of the lessons for practice from the theoretical literature, and provide detailed recommendations on what to do. I illustrate the recommendations with three detailed applications.

JEL-codes: C1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his
Note: LS
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (62)

Published as Guido W. Imbens, 2015. "Matching Methods in Practice: Three Examples," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 50(2), pages 373-419.

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