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The Estimation of Causal Effects by Difference-in-Difference Methods

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  • Lechner, Michael

Abstract

This survey gives a brief overview of the literature on the difference-in-difference (DiD) estimation strategy and discusses major issues using a treatment effects perspective. In this sense, this survey gives a somewhat different view on DiD than the standard textbook discussion of the DiD model, but it will not be as complete as the latter. It contains some extensions of the literature, for example, a discussion of, and suggestions for nonlinear DiD estimators as well as DiD estimators based on propensity-score type matching methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Lechner, Michael, 2011. "The Estimation of Causal Effects by Difference-in-Difference Methods," Foundations and Trends(R) in Econometrics, now publishers, vol. 4(3), pages 165-224, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:now:fnteco:0800000014
    DOI: 10.1561/0800000014
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Causal inference; Counterfactual analysis; Before-after-treatment-control design; Control group design with pretest and posttest; Econometrics; Labor Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • C34 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Truncated and Censored Models; Switching Regression Models

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