Counterfactuals and Causal Inference: Methods and Principles for Social Research (Analytical Methods for Social Research) 2nd Edition

This is a perfect introductory book to causal inference but those who are already familiar with the topic should also find it useful. Since it is written for social science researchers, the math is very minimal and a technical person might initially find the book a bit wordy. However, the concepts are actually explained in a very clear fashion and the detailed explanation and description are quite helpful. I also own the previous version but this one is quite a bit expanded and is worth the buy especially given the relatively low price.

Contrary to the previous review, I found the exposition of methods, analyses and explanations highly readable. The writing is more elaborate than the first edition. However, this can be viewed as a strength of the second edition with in-depth examples, and clear arguments.

This book is AMAZING. For anyone interested in causal methods, this is a must-buy. It's very clear, well-written and accessible for all background levels.

A good book on the issues surrounding the estimation of cause and effect in an observational science -- as opposed to an experimental context -- such as economics and sociology. Does not pose a final answer, but explores a technique of essential value. Is it the only approach? No. But it is an excellent explication of the method, and takes us one step closer to a truly scientific methodology in what are unfortunately termed the "social" sciences.

At least to me, made the concepts underlying causal inference easier to understand than the other available textbooks.

Worth buying even if you have the first edition.

Great book!

As the other reviewer noted, this book is too wordy. As a working adult who wanted to gain insights into this topic, I still struggled to parse their paragraph long sentences. That is with years of experience on survey design and statistical analyses. Maybe the book was written for social sciences students and not engineers.