| ID | 110557 |
| Title Proper | Unpacking the black box of causality |
| Other Title Information | learning about causal mechanisms from experimental and observational studies |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Imai, Kosuke ; Keele, Luke ; Tingley, Dustin ; Yamamoto, Teppei |
| Publication | 2011. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Identifying causal mechanisms is a fundamental goal of social science. Researchers seek to study not only whether one variable affects another but also how such a causal relationship arises. Yet commonly used statistical methods for identifying causal mechanisms rely upon untestable assumptions and are often inappropriate even under those assumptions. Randomizing treatment and intermediate variables is also insufficient. Despite these difficulties, the study of causal mechanisms is too important to abandon. We make three contributions to improve research on causal mechanisms. First, we present a minimum set of assumptions required under standard designs of experimental and observational studies and develop a general algorithm for estimating causal mediation effects. Second, we provide a method for assessing the sensitivity of conclusions to potential violations of a key assumption. Third, we offer alternative research designs for identifying causal mechanisms under weaker assumptions. The proposed approach is illustrated using media framing experiments and incumbency advantage studies. |
| `In' analytical Note | American Political Science Review Vol. 105, No. 4; Nov 2011: p.765-789 |
| Journal Source | American Political Science Review Vol. 105, No. 4; Nov 2011: p.765-789 |
| Key Words | Black Box of Causality ; Observational Studies ; Social Science ; Causal Mechanisms |