Regression Discontinuity
Regression Discontinuity is a statistical method used to estimate the causal effects of interventions or treatments. It focuses on situations where a specific cutoff point determines whether an individual receives a treatment. For example, if students scoring above a certain grade receive tutoring, researchers can compare those just above and just below the cutoff to assess the impact of the tutoring.
This approach is valuable because it mimics random assignment, allowing for more reliable conclusions about the treatment's effectiveness. By analyzing data around the cutoff, researchers can control for confounding variables, making it easier to isolate the effect of the intervention.