DAS 713 – Causal Inference in Data Science
Categories: Doctorate of Computer Science, MS in Computer Science
About Course
- Understand the principles of causal inference and the challenges of identifying causal relationships using observational data.
- Apply causal inference techniques such as propensity score matching, instrumental variables, and regression discontinuity designs to analyze complex datasets.
- Evaluate and interpret causal effects in real-world applications across healthcare, economics, and social sciences to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development.
Course Content
Week 1: Introduction to Causal Inference
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Introduction to Causal Inference
03:54 -
LO1: Define key concepts in causal inference, including causality, association, and treatment effects
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LO2: Explain the importance of causal inference in data science and decision-making across various domains
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LO3: Describe the differences between predictive analytics and causal analysis using real-world examples
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 2: The Counterfactual Framework
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The Counterfactual Framework
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the counterfactual framework and its role in causal reasoning
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LO2: Interpret causal diagrams and potential outcomes to represent causal relationships
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LO3: Analyze simple causal questions using the potential outcomes model
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 3: Propensity Score Matching
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Propensity Score Matching
00:00 -
LO1: Summarize the principles and assumptions underlying propensity score matching
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LO2: Implement propensity score techniques to balance covariates in observational datasets
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LO3: Assess the effectiveness of matching procedures in reducing selection bias
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 4: Instrumental Variables (IV)
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Instrumental Variables (IV)
00:00 -
LO1: Identify instrumental variables and their role in causal identification
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LO2: Examine the assumptions required for valid instrumental variable analysis
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LO3: Select appropriate instrumental variable approaches for causal problems
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 5: Advanced Instrumental Variables Techniques
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Advanced Instrumental Variables Techniques
00:00 -
LO1: Illustrate the two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation procedure
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LO2: Investigate the effects of weak instruments on causal estimates
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LO3: Critique applications of instrumental variable methods in economic research
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 6: Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD)
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Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD)
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the principles and assumptions of regression discontinuity designs
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LO2: Compare sharp and fuzzy regression discontinuity designs
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LO3: Employ RDD estimation techniques to measure causal effects near treatment thresholds
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 7: Applications in Healthcare
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Applications in Healthcare
00:00 -
LO1: Describe the use of causal inference methods in healthcare policy evaluation
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LO2: Calculate treatment effects using observational healthcare datasets
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LO3: Appraise healthcare interventions through causal inference frameworks
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 8: Midterm Exam or Assignment
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Midterm Exam
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 9: Applications in Economics
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Applications in Economics
00:00 -
LO1: Characterize the role of causal inference in economic policy analysis
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LO2: Utilize causal inference techniques to examine economic datasets
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LO3: Judge the impact of policy interventions on economic outcomes
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 10: Applications in Social Sciences
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Applications in Social Sciences
00:00 -
LO1: Illustrate the application of causal inference methods in education and sociology research
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LO2: Explore social science datasets to uncover causal relationships
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LO3: Validate research findings using causal reasoning and evidence
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 11: Addressing Challenges in Causal Inference
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Addressing Challenges in Causal Inference
00:00 -
LO1: Recognize sources of confounding and selection bias in observational studies
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LO2: Measure the impact of model specification errors on causal estimates
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LO3: Formulate strategies to mitigate common threats to causal validity
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 12: Sensitivity Analysis in Causal Inference
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Sensitivity Analysis in Causal Inference
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the purpose and importance of sensitivity analysis in causal research
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LO2: Perform robustness checks to assess the reliability of causal findings
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LO3: Justify causal conclusions based on sensitivity analysis results
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 13: Ethical Considerations in Causal Inference
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Ethical Considerations in Causal Inference
00:00 -
LO1: Discuss ethical challenges associated with causal research and data usage
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LO2: Inspect issues related to privacy, fairness, and responsible data practices
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LO3: Defend recommendations regarding the societal and policy implications of causal inference studies
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 14: Future Trends in Causal Inference
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Future Trends in Causal Inference
00:00 -
LO1: Describe emerging methods and innovations in causal inference
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LO2: Relate machine learning techniques to causal analysis frameworks
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LO3: Forecast future opportunities and challenges in causal data science research
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 15: Course Review
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Course Review
00:00 -
LO1: Recap major concepts, methods, and applications covered throughout the course
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LO2: Synthesize multiple causal inference techniques to address complex analytical problems
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LO3: Contrast the strengths and limitations of different causal inference methodologies
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Multiple-Choice Questions (copy)
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts Questions
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Short Answer Questions
Week 16: Final Test or Project
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Multiple-Choice Questions
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True/False Questions
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Short Answer Questions