A guide to improve your causal inferences from observational data. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raymaekers, Koen; Luyckx, Koen; Moons, Philip
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardiovascular nursing. Volume 19:Number 8(2020)
• Page Start: 757
• Page End: 762
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Research methods -- causality -- repeated measures -- nursing research -- quantitative; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Vascular Diseases -- Periodicals; 610.7369105
• DOI: 10.1177/1474515120957241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-5151

Abstract

True causality is impossible to capture with observational studies. Nevertheless, within the boundaries of observational studies, researchers can follow three steps to answer causal questions in the most optimal way possible. Researchers must: (a) repeatedly assess the same constructs over time in a specific sample; (b) consider the temporal sequence of effects between constructs; and (c) use an analytical strategy that distinguishes within from between-person effects. In this context, it is demonstrated how the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model can be a useful statistical technique. A real-life example of the relationship between loneliness and quality of life in adolescents with congenital heart disease is provided to show how the model can be practically implemented.