RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Matching Methods in Practice: Three Examples
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 373
OP 419
DO 10.3368/jhr.50.2.373
VO 50
IS 2
A1 Imbens, Guido W.
YR 2015
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/50/2/373.abstract
AB 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.