What problem does it solve?
Regression Discontinuity designs (RDD) enable causal inference at a known threshold, supporting sharp and fuzzy designs around a cutoff. This skill provides a complete workflow with guidance on identification assumptions, bandwidth selection, local polynomial estimation, validity checks, and reporting standards to ensure credible empirical results.
Core Features & Use Cases
- Visualize the discontinuity with a binned scatter plot before any regression to assess data support.
- Select optimal bandwidth (IK or CCT) and estimate using local linear (or local polynomial) methods.
- Estimate main RDD effects for both sharp and fuzzy designs, plus validity tests (McCrary density test, covariate balance checks, placebo cutoffs, bandwidth sensitivity).
- Produce reporting-ready results and diagnostics suitable for academic papers and policy evaluations.
- Apply to scenarios like policy thresholds, program eligibility designs, and geographic RDD variations.
Quick Start
Run a complete RDD analysis on a dataset with a running variable and a cutoff to obtain the main estimate, robustness checks, and diagnostic plots.