Citation
Cole, Stephen R.; Hudgens, Michael G.; & Edwards, Jesse K. (2016). A Fundamental Equivalence between Randomized Experiments and Observational Studies. Epidemiologic Methods, 5(1), 113-117.Abstract
A fundamental probabilistic equivalence between randomized experiments and observational studies is presented. Given a detailed scenario, the reader is asked to consider which of two possible study designs provides more information regarding the expected difference in an outcome due to a time-fixed treatment. A general solution is described, and a particular worked example is also provided. A mathematical proof is given in the appendix. The demonstrated equivalence helps to clarify common ground between randomized experiments and observational studies, and to provide a foundation for considering both the design and interpretation of studies.URL
https://doi.org/10.1515/em-2015-0029Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2016Journal Title
Epidemiologic MethodsAuthor(s)
Cole, Stephen R.Hudgens, Michael G.
Edwards, Jesse K.