Causal inference with observational data: Regression discontinuity and other methods in Stata

This overview of implementing quasi-experimental methods of estimating causal impacts (panel methods, matching estimators, instrumental variables, and regression discontinuity) emphasizes practical considerations and Stata-specific approaches. I pay particular attention to the regression discontinuity method, which seems to be less well-known in the larger community of Stata users, but is the most well regarded of the quasi-experimental methods in those circumstances where it is appropriate. We will also examine some examples of hybrid applications of these estimation techniques.