Regression Discontinuity Approaches to Evaluate Threshold-Guided Interventions in Observational Studies.

Regression discontinuity methods can be used in observational studies to evaluate threshold-guided interventions, while the approach has important limitations that affect interpretation.

• Why it matters: Observational data often lack random assignment, so analysts need designs that can approximate causal inference around decision thresholds.
• What they did: The guide explains how regression discontinuity can be applied to threshold-based interventions in observational settings and discusses methodological constraints.
• The result: It provides a practical framework for using regression discontinuity in this context and clarifies where the evidence may be limited, helping readers choose and interpret analyses appropriately.

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