Propensity score techniques and the assessment of measured covariate balance to test causal associations in psychological research.

There is considerable interest in using propensity score (PS) statistical techniques to address questions of causal inference in psychological research. Many PS techniques exist, yet few guidelines are available to aid applied researchers in their understanding, use, and evaluation. In this study, the authors give an overview of available techniques for PS estimation and PS application. They also provide a way to help compare PS techniques, using the resulting measured covariate balance as the criterion for selecting between techniques. The empirical example for this study involves the potential causal relationship linking early-onset cannabis problems and subsequent negative mental health outcomes and uses…

• CF
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  Award: 5U49CE000728
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Awards: MH066247, 1K25MH083846
• NI
  National Institute on Drug Abuse

  Awards: DA021956, DA015799