Causal Inference

Causal inference is a complex scientific task that relies on evidence from multiple sources and a variety of
methodological approaches. By providing a cohesive presentation of concepts and methods that are currently
scattered across journals in several disciplines, Causal Inference: What If provides an introduction to causal
inference for scientists who design studies and analyze data. The book is divided into three parts of increasing
difficulty: causal inference without models, causal inference with models, and causal inference from complex
longitudinal data.

FEATURES:

• Emphasizes taking the causal question seriously enough to articulate it with sufficient precision

• Shows that causal inference from observational data relies on subject-matter knowledge and therefore
cannot be reduced to a collection of recipes for data analysis

• Describes causal diagrams, both directed acyclic graphs and single-world intervention graphs

• Explains various data analysis approaches to estimate causal effects from individual-level data, including
the g-formula, inverse probability weighting, g-estimation, instrumental variable estimation, outcome
regression, and propensity score adjustment

• Includes software and real data examples, as well as ‘Fine Points’ and ‘Technical Points’ throughout to
elaborate on certain key topics

Causal Inference: What If has been written for all scientists that make causal inferences, including epidemiologists,
statisticians, psychologists, economists, sociologists, political scientists, computer scientists, and more. The book is substantially class-tested,
as it has been used in dozens of universities to teach courses on causal inference at graduate and advanced undergraduate level.