Quasi-experimental methods enable stronger inferences from observational data in ecology

• Published in: Basic and applied ecology Vol. 19; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Butsic, Van, Lewis, David J., Radeloff, Volker C., Baumann, Matthias, Kuemmerle, Tobias
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.03.2017
• Subjects: Difference-in-differences; ecologists; Econometrics; economics; environmental policy; Instrumental variables; invasive species; Matching; Natural experiments; Observational data; predators; Regression discontinuity design; statistical analysis; wildfires; Observational data; Natural experiments; Matching; Regression discontinuity design; Instrumental variables; Difference-in-differences; Econometrics

Many systems and processes in ecology cannot be experimentally controlled, either because the temporal and spatial scales are too broad, or because it would be unethical. Examples include large wildfires, alternative conservation strategies, removal of top predators, or the introduction of invasive...