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Using Propensity Scores in Quasi-Experimental Designs
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Using Propensity Scores in Quasi-Experimental Designs

A guide to improving experiments and reducing bias using propensity scores

June 2013 | 360 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Using an accessible approach perfect for social and behavioral science students (requiring minimal use of matrix and vector algebra), Holmes examines how propensity scores can be used to both reduce bias with different kinds of quasi-experimental designs and fix or improve broken experiments. This unique book covers the causal assumptions of propensity score estimates and their many uses, linking these uses with analysis appropriate for different designs. Thorough coverage of bias assessment, propensity score estimation, and estimate improvement is provided, along with graphical and statistical methods for this process. Applications are included for analysis of variance and covariance, maximum likelihood and logistic regression, two-stage least squares, generalized linear regression, and general estimation equations. The examples use public data sets that have policy and programmatic relevance across a variety of social and behavioral science disciplines.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
Chapter 1. Quasi-Experiments and Nonequivalent Groups
 
Chapter 2. Causal Inference Using Control Variables
 
Chapter 3. Causal Inference Using Counterfactual Designs
 
Chapter 4. Propensity Approaches for Quasi-Experiments
 
Chapter 5. Propensity Matching
 
Chapter 6. Propensity Score Optimized Matching
 
Chapter 7. Propensities and Weighted Least Squares Regression
 
Chapter 8. Propensities and Covariate Controls
 
Chapter 9. Use With Generalized Linear Models
 
Chapter 10. Propensity With Correlated Samples
 
Chapter 11. Handling Missing Data
 
Chapter 12. Repairing Broken Experiments
 
Appendix A. Stata Commands for Propensity Use
 
Appendix B. R Commands for Propensity Use
 
Appendix C. SPSS Commands for Propensity Use
 
Appendix D. SAS Commands for Propensity Use
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index

Supplements

Student Study Site

See the companion website for commands useful for propensity analysis in SPSS, SAS, Stata, and R.  The following videos are also available on the companion website: 

Overview of Propensity Scores
 
Installing R Programs for Propensity Score Matching
Example is on a MAC, but procedures apply to Windows systems as well.
 
Assessing Covariate Balance
Using r command plot ()
 
Nearest-Neighbor Greedy Matching
Using Matchit program
 
Full Matching
Using Matchit program
 
Optimal Matching
Using Matchit program 

“I find the accessibility of propensity scores to be the most appealing contribution of this text. As the authors pointed out, many articles on propensity scores use statistical equations and programs that many users are unfamiliar with. Most students that take workshops from me want how-to instructions for computing and using propensity scores. I like that this book would present them from a methodological and applied approach, rather than the more-common theoretical approach.”

M. H. Clark
University of Central Florida

“The worked up examples in different software programs are a definite strength.”

Tina Savla
Virginia Tech

“The discussion of alternatives in order to control sources of influence is very good.”     

Michael A. Milburn
University of Massachusetts, Boston

“I was most intrigued by some of the material covered near the end of the outline, in particular the chapters on missing data and repairing broken experiments. It is one thing to cover the statistical theory, but in my experience students really need guidance in how to handle messy research design and data situations. In the same vein, I liked seeing how many of the chapters appear to end with sections on assessing the adequacy and sufficiency of the techniques covered in those chapters.”        

Douglas Luke
Washington University in St. Louis

The text was an excellent supplement for advanced students working on thesis research projects.

Dr Christopher John Godfrey
Psychology Dept, Pace University
June 17, 2014
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William Michael Holmes

William Holmes is a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in the College of Public and Community Services. He has evaluated criminal justice and community programs serving families, children, individuals who have suffered abuse, and those with substance abuse problems. He coauthored with Kay Kitson Portrait of Divorce, which won the William Goode Award from the Family Section of the American Sociological Association, and coauthored Family Abuse: Consequences, Theories, and Responses with Calvin Larsen and Sylvia Mignon. Dr. Holmes has conducted research funded by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National... More About Author

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