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Causal Inference in R
Causal Inference in R

Causal Inference in R: Decipher complex relationships with advanced R techniques for data-driven decision-making

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Profile Icon Subhajit Das
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Paperback Nov 2024 382 pages 1st Edition
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Causal Inference in R

Introducing Causal Inference

In this inaugural chapter, let’s explore the topic of causal inference a bit. For some, this may be a new topic; for others, it might be somewhat familiar. However, whether you find this topic intimidating or not depends less on your existing statistical knowledge and more on your interest in the subject and your consistent effort throughout the book.

Our exploration begins with three pivotal questions: What exactly is causal inference? Why is it indispensable? How can it be effectively utilized? To clarify these concepts, we’ll use both fictitious and real-life scenarios.

Approach this chapter with unhindered curiosity and an open mind. Be prepared to encounter concepts and terminology that might initially seem abstruse. Don’t worry, though—we will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you understand everything clearly and thoroughly as we explore causal inference together.

In this chapter, we will cover the following...

Defining causal inference

Picture yourself as a teacher contemplating a curious phenomenon among high school students: the relationship between sleeping late and catching the school bus. An initial hypothesis might be, “Sleeping late causes students to miss their school bus.” This stems from a personal experience: I slept late and consequently missed the bus. However, this hypothesis might be challenged upon observing graduate students, who, despite sleeping late, consistently catch their buses.

This scenario exemplifies the complex, often misleading nature of causality. The observed association—sleeping late and missing buses—doesn’t inherently imply causation. Here, various other factors could be at play. Perhaps high school students have earlier bus schedules, or graduate students, despite sleeping late, can wake up early and not miss their transportation. It’s plausible that the initial observation of sleeping late and causing one to...

Historical perspective on causal inference

In Hellenic philosophy, ancient Greece played a pivotal role. Pre-Socratic philosophers such as Thales and Heraclitus explored the nature of change and causality. Ancient Greek philosophers contributed significantly to systematic approaches to understanding causality by examining cause-and-effect relationships. They introduced important causal concepts, including the idea that nothing comes from nothing (attributed to Parmenides). While not originating the principle of sufficient reason, their work laid the foundations for later philosophical developments. Their ideas have influenced our understanding of causation, though modern concepts have evolved significantly, incorporating insights from various traditions, scientific advancements, and mathematical frameworks.

Aristotle, however, provided a more structured approach to causality with his four causes theory:

  • Material cause: The material from which something is made (e.g., the...

Why do we need causality?

Beyond understanding the theoretical and historical underpinnings, one must ponder the practical necessity of causality first. We shall discuss examples of the ubiquitous application of causality across various industries. For instance, enterprises leverage causal inference techniques to gain deeper insights into customer behaviors, needs, and preferences. They employ these methods to elucidate both natural and anthropogenic phenomena. Mastery of causal inference equips you with an extremely powerful tool, rendering you an invaluable asset in any team or organizational context. Your proficiency in this domain can significantly contribute to the overarching objective of delivering value to stakeholders.

Let's discuss further why causality is not only an intellectually rewarding area but also practically indispensable.

In medical and public health arenas, causal inference is vital for assessing treatment efficacy. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs...

Is it an association or really causation?

It’s tempting to attribute causality to superficial observations, mistaking mere associations for causation. Take, for instance, the observation that social media posts made later in the day receive fewer likes and comments, suggesting reduced engagement. One might hastily conclude that the timing of these posts is the causal factor. However, without rigorous statistical testing, such claims remain speculative. In this book, we will teach you how to conduct these necessary tests, distinguishing between simple association and true causation.

In statistics, we discuss association, causation, and correlation. While correlation is often used interchangeably with association in everyday conversations, they have distinct meanings in statistical contexts. So, what is the difference between association and correlation?

In causality, association encapsulates a general linkage between two variables, without explicitly characterizing the...

Deep dive causality in real-life settings

Let's walk through a study titled Inked into Crime? An Examination of the Causal Relationship between Tattoos and Life-Course Offending among Males from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development [1]. It’s about a study to ascertain whether or not there exists a causal connection between the presence of tattoos and the propensity for criminal behavior across one’s lifespan. Analyzing data from 411 British males, the researchers utilized propensity score matching—a statistical technique frequently used to ascertain causal inference (which we shall learn about later in this book, in Chapter 6). This approach meticulously dissects the complexity between the ink on skin and the propensity for crime, offering a more refined perspective on this age-old debate.

Rooted in the shadow of 19th-century criminological thought, specifically the theories of Lombroso, tattoos have long been cast in the dim light of criminality...

Exploring the technical aspects of causality

From the previous section, it is evident that causal inference involves employing observational or experimental data to establish causal links, utilizing various statistical methods and theories to measure the influence of one variable (the “treatment” or “intervention”) on another (the “outcome” or the “effect”).

From a statistical vantage point, it focuses on estimating the counterfactual, hypothesizing the outcomes in alternate scenarios where the treatment was absent. This necessitates assumptions about data and underlying mechanisms, including the exclusion of unmeasured confounders. Let’s go over these concepts one by one.

Counterfactual analysis

Counterfactual analysis involves exploring "what-if" scenarios to understand the effects of actions that didn't occur. It is used to estimate the causal impact of interventions by imagining alternative outcomes...

Summary

This chapter introduced the concept of causality and its importance across various fields. A brief historical overview acknowledged the contributions of ancient philosophers and modern statisticians in developing causal inference methods. We started by defining causal inference and distinguishing it from association and correlation with practical examples. We also touched on complex ideas such as potential outcomes, confounding variables, and Simpson’s paradox, explaining how they affect causal studies.

Finally, the chapter underscored the importance of causal inference in making informed decisions in our data-driven world. This foundation prepares you for a deeper exploration of causal inference in subsequent chapters.

References

  1. Inked into Crime: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047235213001189.
  2. Causal or Spurious: Using Propensity Score Matching to Detangle the Relationship between Violent Video Games and Violent Behavior: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257252863_Causal_or_Spurious_Using_Propensity_Score_Matching_to_Detangle_the_Relationship_between_Violent_Video_Games_and_Violent_Behavior.
  3. Imbens, G.W., Rubin, D.B. (2010). Rubin Causal Model. In: Durlauf, S.N., Blume, L.E. (eds) Microeconometrics. The New Palgrave Economics Collection. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230280816_28.
  4. Mill’s methods, https://beisecker.faculty.unlv.edu/Courses/Phi-102/Mills_Methods.htm.
  5. Peter Armitage, Fisher, Bradford Hill, and randomization, International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 32, Issue 6, December 2003, Pages 925–928, https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyg286.
  6. BIOS 6611 (2021, July 31) , Neyman-Pearson Approach to...
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Key benefits

  • Explore causal analysis with hands-on R tutorials and real-world examples
  • Grasp complex statistical methods by taking a detailed, easy-to-follow approach
  • Equip yourself with actionable insights and strategies for making data-driven decisions
  • Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Description

Determining causality in data is difficult due to confounding factors. Written by an applied scientist specializing in causal inference with over a decade of experience, Causal Inference in R provides the tools and methods you need to accurately establish causal relationships, improving data-driven decision-making. This book helps you get to grips with foundational concepts, offering a clear understanding of causal models and their relevance in data analysis. You’ll progress through chapters that blend theory with hands-on examples, illustrating how to apply advanced statistical methods to real-world scenarios. You’ll discover techniques for establishing causality, from classic approaches to contemporary methods, such as propensity score matching and instrumental variables. Each chapter is enriched with detailed case studies and R code snippets, enabling you to implement concepts immediately. Beyond technical skills, this book also emphasizes critical thinking in data analysis to empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions. The chapters enable you to harness the power of causal inference in R to uncover deeper insights from data. By the end of this book, you’ll be able to confidently establish causal relationships and make data-driven decisions with precision.

Who is this book for?

This book is for data practitioners, statisticians, and researchers keen on enhancing their skills in causal inference using R, as well as individuals who aspire to make data-driven decisions in complex scenarios. It serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced professionals in data analysis, public policy, economics, and social sciences. Academics and students looking to deepen their understanding of causal models and their practical implementation will also find it highly beneficial.

What you will learn

  • Get a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and applications of causal inference
  • Utilize R to construct and interpret causal models
  • Apply techniques for robust causal analysis in real-world data
  • Implement advanced causal inference methods, such as instrumental variables and propensity score matching
  • Develop the ability to apply graphical models for causal analysis
  • Identify and address common challenges and pitfalls in controlled experiments for effective causal analysis
  • Become proficient in the practical application of doubly robust estimation using R
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Table of Contents

20 Chapters
Part 1:Foundations of Causal Inference Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 1: Introducing Causal Inference Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 2: Unraveling Confounding and Associations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 3: Initiating R with a Basic Causal Inference Example Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 2: Practical Applications and Core Methods Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 4: Constructing Causality Models with Graphs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 5: Navigating Causal Inference through Directed Acyclic Graphs Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 6: Employing Propensity Score Techniques Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 7: Employing Regression Approaches for Causal Inference Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 8: Executing A/B Testing and Controlled Experiments Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 9: Implementing Doubly Robust Estimation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Part 3: Advanced Topics and Cutting-Edge Methods Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 10: Analyzing Instrumental Variables Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 11: Investigating Mediation Analysis Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 12: Exploring Sensitivity Analysis Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 13: Scrutinizing Heterogeneity in Causal Inference Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 14: Harnessing Causal Forests and Machine Learning Methods Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Chapter 15: Implementing Causal Discovery in R Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
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