Propensity score analysis: an alternative statistical approach for HRD researchers
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 6 September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce matching in propensity score analysis (PSA) as an alternative statistical approach for researchers looking to make causal inferences using intact groups.
Design/methodology/approach
An illustrative example demonstrated the varying results of analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and PSA on a heuristic data set. The three approaches were compared by results and violations of statistical assumptions.
Findings
Through the illustrative example, it is demonstrated how different statistical approaches can produce varied results. Only PSA mitigated pre-existing group differences without violating the assumption of independence.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to answer calls in the literature for more robust statistical methodologies to better inform human resource development practice and theory.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Keiffer, G.L. and Lane, F.C. (2016), "Propensity score analysis: an alternative statistical approach for HRD researchers", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 40 No. 8/9, pp. 660-675. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2015-0046
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited