Causal inference through multi-stage learning and doubly robust deep neural networks

Fuente: arXiv
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Autores principales: Zhang, Yuqian, Bradic, Jelena
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2024
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author Zhang, Yuqian
Bradic, Jelena
author_facet Zhang, Yuqian
Bradic, Jelena
contents Deep neural networks (DNNs) have demonstrated remarkable empirical performance in large-scale supervised learning problems, particularly in scenarios where both the sample size $n$ and the dimension of covariates $p$ are large. This study delves into the application of DNNs across a wide spectrum of intricate causal inference tasks, where direct estimation falls short and necessitates multi-stage learning. Examples include estimating the conditional average treatment effect and dynamic treatment effect. In this framework, DNNs are constructed sequentially, with subsequent stages building upon preceding ones. To mitigate the impact of estimation errors from early stages on subsequent ones, we integrate DNNs in a doubly robust manner. In contrast to previous research, our study offers theoretical assurances regarding the effectiveness of DNNs in settings where the dimensionality $p$ expands with the sample size. These findings are significant independently and extend to degenerate single-stage learning problems.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2407_08560
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Causal inference through multi-stage learning and doubly robust deep neural networks
Zhang, Yuqian
Bradic, Jelena
Machine Learning
Statistics Theory
Methodology
Deep neural networks (DNNs) have demonstrated remarkable empirical performance in large-scale supervised learning problems, particularly in scenarios where both the sample size $n$ and the dimension of covariates $p$ are large. This study delves into the application of DNNs across a wide spectrum of intricate causal inference tasks, where direct estimation falls short and necessitates multi-stage learning. Examples include estimating the conditional average treatment effect and dynamic treatment effect. In this framework, DNNs are constructed sequentially, with subsequent stages building upon preceding ones. To mitigate the impact of estimation errors from early stages on subsequent ones, we integrate DNNs in a doubly robust manner. In contrast to previous research, our study offers theoretical assurances regarding the effectiveness of DNNs in settings where the dimensionality $p$ expands with the sample size. These findings are significant independently and extend to degenerate single-stage learning problems.
title Causal inference through multi-stage learning and doubly robust deep neural networks
topic Machine Learning
Statistics Theory
Methodology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.08560