This chapter delves into the complexities of establishing causation in various contexts, highlighting the importance of identifying the primary causal factor amidst multiple influences. By using examples ranging from personal anecdotes to policy arguments, the discussion emphasizes the need to move beyond simplistic statistical significance and focus on the magnitude of causal impact. It also touches on the challenges of prioritizing causal factors in decision-making processes, advocating for a balanced approach between data-driven analysis and anecdotal evidence.
There's often a gap between the textbook treatment of statistics and the cookbook treatment--how to cook up the numbers when you're in the kitchen of the real world. Jeremy Weber of the University of Pittsburgh and the author of Statistics for Public Policy hopes his book can close that gap. He talks to EconTalk host Russ Roberts about how to use numbers thoughtfully and honestly.