Sample interview questions: How do you address issues of selection bias and endogeneity in your analysis of sociological data?
Sample answer:
Addressing Selection Bias
- Observational studies: Utilize propensity score matching, stratification, instrumental variables, and Heckman correction to control for observed and unobserved differences between treatment and comparison groups.
- Randomized controlled trials (RCTs): Implement random assignment to minimize selection bias and ensure treatment and control groups are comparable.
Addressing Endogeneity
- Instrumental variables: Employ an instrumental variable correlated with the independent variable but not with the error term to control for endogeneity.
- Two-stage least squares (2SLS): Estimate the endogenous variable using an instrumental variable and then use the predicted values in a second-stage regression.
- Difference-in-differences: Compare outcomes between treated and untreated groups before and after the intervention to reduce bias due to unobserved time-invariant factors.
- Fixed effects models: Include group-specific (e.g., individual or household) int… Read full answer