Lisa A. Gennetian|Katherine Magnuson|Pamela Morris
From statistical associations to causation: What developmentalists can learn from instrumental variables techniques coupled with experimental data.
article authors aim make accessible careful application method called instrumental variables iv right analytic conditions iv one promising strategy answering questions causal nature associations advance developmental theory authors build prior work combining analytic approach iv strengths random assignment design whether experiment conducted lab setting real world approach detailed empirical example effects maternal education childrens cognitive school outcomes iv techniques authors address whether maternal education causally related childrens cognitive development whether observed associations reflect characteristic related parenting income personality iv estimates show maternal education positive effect cognitive test scores children entering school authors conclude discussing opportunities applying techniques address questions critical relevance developmental science