With propensity scores analyses, the difference between observed and counterfactual scores reflects changes attributable to:
A) regression toward the mean
B) true score changes, absent of treatment effects
C) treatment effects
D) preexisting differences between comparison groups

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Propensity scores are used to estimate the causal effect of a treatment on an outcome when there is a confounding variable present. The observed propensity score represents the likelihood of receiving the treatment based on observed covariates. The counterfactual propensity score is the probability of receiving the treatment if the subject had received the other treatment. The difference between the observed and counterfactual propensity scores reflects the treatment effect, as it represents the change in probability of treatment due to the intervention. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as the difference between observed and counterfactual scores reflects treatment effects. The other options are incorrect because they do not reflect the purpose of propensity score analysis.

With Propensity Scores Analyses, the Difference Between Observed and Counterfactual