Authors
Dustin Tingley, Teppei Yamamoto, Kentaro Hirose, Luke Keele, Kosuke Imai
Publication date
2014
Journal
Journal of Statistical Software
Volume
59
Issue
5
Pages
1-38
Description
In this paper, we describe the R package mediation for conducting causal mediation analysis in applied empirical research. In many scientific disciplines, the goal of researchers is not only estimating causal effects of a treatment but also understanding the process in which the treatment causally affects the outcome. Causal mediation analysis is frequently used to assess potential causal mechanisms. The mediation package implements a comprehensive suite of statistical tools for conducting such an analysis. The package is organized into two distinct approaches. Using the model-based approach, researchers can estimate causal mediation effects and conduct sensitivity analysis under the standard research design. Furthermore, the design-based approach provides several analysis tools that are applicable under different experimental designs. This approach requires weaker assumptions than the model-based approach. We also implement a statistical method for dealing with multiple (causally dependent) mediators, which are often encountered in practice. Finally, the package also offers a methodology for assessing causal mediation in the presence of treatment noncompliance, a common problem in randomized trials.
Total citations
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Scholar articles
D Tingley, T Yamamoto, K Hirose, L Keele, K Imai… - Computer software manual, 2019
D Tingley, T Yamamoto, L Keele, K Imai - Journal of Statistical Software. Forthcoming, 2012