Methods matter: Improving causal inference in educational and social science research: A review article

Professors Richard J. Murnane and John B. Willett set out to capitalize on recent developments in education data and methodology by attempting to answer the following questions: How can new methods and data be applied most effectively in educational and social science research? What kinds of research designs are most appropriate? What kinds of data are needed? What statistical methods are best used to process these data, and how can results be interpreted so that policymakers are best informed? In this review we summarize main contributions of the book, assess the unique value-added of the text, and discuss the usability of it to various potential audiences.