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Evaluating (weighted) dynamic treatment effects by double machine learning
[Identification of causal effects using instrumental variables]

Author

Listed:
  • Hugo Bodory
  • Martin Huber
  • Lukáš Lafférs
Abstract
SummaryWe consider evaluating the causal effects of dynamic treatments, i.e., of mul-tiple treatment sequences in various periods, based on double machine learning to control for observed, time-varying covariates in a data-driven way under a selection-on-observables assumption. To this end, we make use of so-called Neyman-orthogonal score functions, which imply the robustness of treatment effect estimation to moderate (local) misspecifications of the dynamic outcome and treatment models. This robustness property permits approximating outcome and treatment models by double machine learning even under high-dimensional covariates. In addition to effect estimation for the total population, we consider weighted estimation that permits assessing dynamic treatment effects in specific subgroups, e.g., among those treated in the first treatment period. We demonstrate that the estimators are asymptotically normal and -consistent under specific regularity conditions and investigate their finite sample properties in a simulation study. Finally, we apply the methods to the Job Corps study.

Suggested Citation

  • Hugo Bodory & Martin Huber & Lukáš Lafférs, 2022. "Evaluating (weighted) dynamic treatment effects by double machine learning [Identification of causal effects using instrumental variables]," The Econometrics Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 25(3), pages 628-648.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:emjrnl:v:25:y:2022:i:3:p:628-648.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ectj/utac018
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    25. repec:mpr:mprres:2951 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Oyenubi, Adeola & Kollamparambil, Umakrishnan, 2023. "Does noncompliance with COVID-19 regulations impact the depressive symptoms of others?," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    2. Jonathan Fuhr & Philipp Berens & Dominik Papies, 2024. "Estimating Causal Effects with Double Machine Learning -- A Method Evaluation," Papers 2403.14385, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2024.
    3. Jonathan Fuhr & Dominik Papies, 2024. "Double Machine Learning meets Panel Data -- Promises, Pitfalls, and Potential Solutions," Papers 2409.01266, arXiv.org.
    4. Michael Lechner, 2023. "Causal Machine Learning and its use for public policy," Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics, Springer;Swiss Society of Economics and Statistics, vol. 159(1), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Lu Kang & Jie Lv & Haoyang Zhang, 2024. "Can the Water Resource Fee-to-Tax Reform Promote the “Three-Wheel Drive” of Corporate Green Energy-Saving Innovations? Quasi-Natural Experimental Evidence from China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-38, June.
    6. Martin Huber & Kevin Kloiber & Lukas Laffers, 2024. "Testing identification in mediation and dynamic treatment models," Papers 2406.13826, arXiv.org.

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