330.626.89
Propensity Score Methods in Non-Experimental Research in Mental Health
Location
Internet
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Mental Health
Credit(s)
1
Academic Year
2025 - 2026
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Experience with linear and logistic regression.
Discusses the importance of the careful design of non-experimental studies, and the role of propensity scores in that design, with the main goal of providing practical guidance on the use of propensity scores in mental health research. Covers the primary ways of using propensity scores to adjust for confounders when estimating the effect of a particular “cause” or “intervention,” including weighting, sub classification, and matching. Examines issues such as how to specify and estimate the propensity score model, selecting covariates to include in the model, and diagnostics. Draws examples from school-based prevention research, drug abuse and dependence, and non-randomized treatment trials, among others. Primarily emphasizes non-experimental studies; however, also discusses applications to randomized trials.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the characteristics of well-designed non-experimental studies
- Explain the role of propensity scores in non-experimental studies
- Distinguish between different propensity score approaches.
- Diagnose whether a propensity score approach has succeeded in balancing the groups
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 50% Participation
- 50% Final Project