Statistical Models and Causal Inference
A Dialogue with the Social Sciences
David A Freedman author David Collier editor Jasjeet S Sekhon editor Philip B Stark editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Published:30th Nov '09
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£41.99(9780521123907)
David A. Freedman presents a definitive synthesis of his approach to statistical modeling and causal inference in the social sciences.
David A. Freedman presents here a definitive synthesis of his views on the foundations and limitations of statistical modeling in the social sciences, He maintains that many new technical approaches to statistical modeling constitute not progress, but regress, and he shows why these methods are not reliable.David A. Freedman presents here a definitive synthesis of his approach to causal inference in the social sciences. He explores the foundations and limitations of statistical modeling, illustrating basic arguments with examples from political science, public policy, law, and epidemiology. Freedman maintains that many new technical approaches to statistical modeling constitute not progress, but regress. Instead, he advocates a 'shoe leather' methodology, which exploits natural variation to mitigate confounding and relies on intimate knowledge of the subject matter to develop meticulous research designs and eliminate rival explanations. When Freedman first enunciated this position, he was met with scepticism, in part because it was hard to believe that a mathematical statistician of his stature would favor 'low-tech' approaches. But the tide is turning. Many social scientists now agree that statistical technique cannot substitute for good research design and subject matter knowledge. This book offers an integrated presentation of Freedman's views.
ISBN: 9780521195003
Dimensions: 244mm x 168mm x 25mm
Weight: 750g
416 pages