Introduction to propensity score methods

Date

2021

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Abstract

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), while the golden standard of estimating causal effects in clinical studies, are not always possible to conduct due to ethical reasons or other restrictions. Observational studies are an alternative in such cases. However, in such studies, treatment assignment may be subject to systematic biases. Propensity score (PS) methods are a popular tool to adjust for confounding factors in observational studies. By attempting to mimic RCTs, these methods are quite intuitive. This thesis provides a theoretical overview of the most popular PS methods, and conducts a simulation study to compare PS matching, PS weighting, and conventional covariate adjustment. CERCS research specialisation: P160 Statistics, operation research,

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Keywords

kalduvuse määr, vaatlusuuringud, ühildamine, kaalumine, tunnustele kohandamine, covariate adjustment, weighting, matching, observational studies, propensity score

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