Description

Summary:

Causal inference or drawing causal conclusions based on data is a core task in science. In order to answer causal questions, researchers need to transparently formulate the causal question of interest and discuss the assumptions under which a causal conclusion can be made. Unfortunately, the scientific literature is filled with examples in which the causal question as well as the underlying assumptions are poorly defined. There is a need to resort to more systematic approaches using an explicit causal framework.

This symposium aims to introduce causal inference methods for experimental as well as non-experimental study designs to researchers from the domains of Psychology (and more broadly Social & Behavioral Sciences) and Health Sciences and illustrate their relevance for a broad range of research questions within these domains. 

Audience:

Researchers interested in learning about causal inference and obtaining an overview of causal inference methods and their application in Psychology and Health Sciences. Participants are expected to be familiar with linear and logistic regression. 

Programme:

• General introduction to causal inference by Prof. dr. Ruth Keogh (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
• Short presentations introducing different causal inference methods 
  • presentations by Prof. dr. Stijn Vansteelandt (UGent), Prof. dr. Tom Loeys (UGent), dr. Camila Olarte Parra (Karolinska Institutet), and Prof. dr. Florian Schmiedek (Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education)
• Practical examples of causal inference methods used to answer research questions within Psychology and Applied Health Sciences
  • Presentations by dr. Kelly Van Lancker (UGent) and prof. dr. Beatrijs Moerkerke (UGent)