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about this book

 

This book is designed for beginner or experienced data scientists, machine learning practitioners and researchers, data analysts, economists, and statisticians who want to improve their decision-making using observational data. It aims to give you a strong foundation in applying causal inference in your everyday tasks. It offers an intuitive guide to understanding which tools to use and, coupled with a more formal approach, ensures that you’re confident in your actions.

Prerequisites

To follow along with the book, you will need a basic background in the following:

  • Probability
    • Basic probability formulas such as the law of total probability and conditional probabilities
    • Basic probability distributions such as gaussians and binomials
    • How to generate random numbers with a computer
  • Statistics
    • Linear and logistic regression
    • Confidence intervals
    • Recommended: basic knowledge of A/B testing and randomized controlled trials (how group assignment is done and hypothesis testing)
  • Programming
    • Basic coding skills (reading/writing basic programs) with at least one programming language such as Python, R, or Julia
  • Machine learning
    • Cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning
    • Recommended: Experience with machine learning models such as kNN, random forests, boosting, and deep learning

How this book is organized: A road map

The learning path and philosophy of this book

Different learning styles

Developing intuition and formal methodology

Building your intuition

Practicing the methodology

About the code

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