Using matching to estimate treatment effects: Data requirements, matching metrics, and Monte Carlo evidence

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Zhao, Z
• 署名单位: Peking University
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/003465304323023705
• 发表日期: 2004-02
• 页码: 91-107
• 关键词: instrumental variables; propensity-score; sample selection; BIAS; identification; PROGRAMS; models; IMPACT

摘要

We compare propensity-score matching methods with covariate matching estimators. We first discuss the data requirements of propensity-score matching estimators and covariate matching estimators. Then we propose two new matching metrics incorporating the treatment outcome information and participation indicator information, and discuss the motivations of different metrics. Next we study the small-sample properties of propensity-score matching versus covariate matching estimators, and of different matching metrics, through Monte Carlo experiments. Through a series of simulations, we provide some guidance to practitioners on how to choose among different matching estimators and matching metrics.