Using Propensity Score Matching in Educational Research

Abstract

This methodological brief introduces the readers to the propensity score matching method, which can be used for enhancing the validity of causal inferences in research situations involving nonexperimental design or observational research, or in situations where the benefits of an experimental design are not fully realized because of reasons beyond the researcher’s control (e.g., attrition of participants). This brief discusses the rationale of propensity score matching, the major implementation steps and considerations, and illustrates the procedures with a data example. Some limitations and implementation challenges are also discussed.