Abstract
This paper introduces an innovative Bayesian machine learning algorithm to draw interpretable inference on heterogeneous causal effects in the presence of imperfect compliance (e.g., under an irregular assignment mechanism). We show, through Monte Carlo simulations, that the proposed Bayesian Causal Forest with Instrumental Variable (BCF-IV) methodology outperforms other machine learning techniques tailored for causal inference in discovering and estimating the heterogeneous causal effects while controlling for the familywise error rate (or, less stringently, for the false discovery rate) at leaves’ level. BCF-IV sheds a light on the heterogeneity of causal effects in instrumental variable scenarios and, in turn, provides the policy-makers with a relevant tool for targeted policies. Its empirical application evaluates the effects of additional funding on students’ performances.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1986-2009 |
Number of pages | 24 |
Journal | Annals of Applied Statistics |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2022 |
JEL classifications
- c10 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General