Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards causal directed acyclic graphs: a qualitative research project.

ABSTRACT: Causal graphs provide a key tool for optimizing the validity of causal effect estimates. Although a large literature exists on the mathematical theory underlying the use of causal graphs, less literature exists to aid applied researchers in understanding how best to develop and use causal graphs in their research projects. We sought to understand why researchers do or do not regularly use DAGs by surveying practicing epidemiologists and medical researchers on their knowledge, level of interest, attitudes, and practices towards the use of causal graphs in applied epidemiology and health research. We used Twitter and the Society for Epidemiologic Research to disseminate the survey. Overall, a majority of participants reported being comfortable with using causal graphs and reported using them

SUBMITTER: Barnard-Mayers R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8609501 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature