TY  - RPRT
        AU  - Imbens, Guido W.
        TI  - Matching Methods in Practice: Three Examples
        PY  - 2014/Mar/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 8049
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/index.php/publications/dp8049
        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.
        KW  - potential outcomes
KW  - unconfoundedness
KW  - causality
KW  - propensity score methods
KW  - matching methods
KW  - selection on observables
        ER  -