Abstract
The use of structural equation models for causal inference from panel data is critiqued in the causal
inference literature for unnecessarily relying on a large number of parametric assumptions, and alternative methods originating from the potential outcomes framework have been recommended, such as inverse probability weighting (IPW) estimation of marginal structural models (MSMs). To better understand this criticism, we describe three phases of causal research. We explain (differences in) the assumptions that are made throughout these phases for structural equation modeling (SEM) and IPW-MSM approaches using an empirical example. Second, using simulations we compare the finite sample performance of SEM and IPW-MSM for the estimation of time-varying exposure effects on an end-of-study outcome under violations of parametric assumptions. Although increased reliance on parametric assumptions does not always translate to increased bias (even under model misspecification), researchers are still well-advised to acquaint themselves with causal methods from the potential outcomes framework.
inference literature for unnecessarily relying on a large number of parametric assumptions, and alternative methods originating from the potential outcomes framework have been recommended, such as inverse probability weighting (IPW) estimation of marginal structural models (MSMs). To better understand this criticism, we describe three phases of causal research. We explain (differences in) the assumptions that are made throughout these phases for structural equation modeling (SEM) and IPW-MSM approaches using an empirical example. Second, using simulations we compare the finite sample performance of SEM and IPW-MSM for the estimation of time-varying exposure effects on an end-of-study outcome under violations of parametric assumptions. Although increased reliance on parametric assumptions does not always translate to increased bias (even under model misspecification), researchers are still well-advised to acquaint themselves with causal methods from the potential outcomes framework.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 575-591 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 19 Mar 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2024 |
Keywords
- Inverse probability weighting
- marginal structural models
- observational data
- structural equation modeling
- time-varying causal effect