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A Graphical Approximation to Generalization: Definitions and Diagrams

Author

Listed:
  • García Fernando Martel

    (2800 Woodley Rd. N.W., Apt 324, Washington D.C. 20008, USA)

  • Wantchekon Leonard

    (Princeton University and African School of Economics, ASE – USA, Princeton University, 230 Corwin Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544-1012, USA Department of Politics, Princeton, University 130 Corwin Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544-1012, USA)

Abstract

The fundamental problem of external validity is not to generalize from one experiment, so much as to experimentally test generalizable theories. That is, theories that explain the systematic variation of causal effects across contexts. Here we show how the graphical language of causal diagrams can be used in this endeavour. Specifically we show how generalization is a causal problem, how a causal approach is more robust than a purely predictive one, and how causal diagrams can be adapted to convey partial parametric information about interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • García Fernando Martel & Wantchekon Leonard, 2015. "A Graphical Approximation to Generalization: Definitions and Diagrams," Journal of Globalization and Development, De Gruyter, vol. 6(1), pages 71-86, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:globdv:v:6:y:2015:i:1:p:71-86:n:5
    DOI: 10.1515/jgd-2014-0013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kincaid, Harold (ed.), 2012. "The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Social Science," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195392753.
    2. Kennedy, Peter, 1983. "Logarithmic Dependent Variables and Prediction Bias," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 45(4), pages 389-392, November.
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    21. Martel García, Fernando & Wantchekon, Leonard, 2013. "A Graphical Approximation to Generalization: Definitions and Diagrams," WIDER Working Paper Series 082, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    causal diagrams; econometric methodology; external validity; generalized causal inference; nonparametric methods; policy experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B0 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - General
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other

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