- Each Theoretical Estimand is linked to an Empirical Estimand, which only has the observational quantities, and this is by assumptions that we make about the data we observe. 
- One can also choose an estimation strategy to use and learn how to operate the empirical estimand
- this paper refers to estimands as both theoretical and empirical. 

What is Theoretical Estimand linked to? 

- The theoretical estimand has two aspects: One is the unit specific quantity, which tells the realized outcome and the other is the theoretical estimand of a target population
- A paper may have multiple Theoretical Estimands. 
 

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- We should all ask one question when thinking about quantitative talks or articles: What is the estimand? 
- The estimate is an object of inquiry, and it talks about the precise quantity about which data we use to make an inference.
- Framework for quantitative social sciences when making a precise statement. 
 

Introduction Of Setting the Target 


Lundberg, I., Johnson, R., & Stewart, B. (2020, January 7). What is Your Estimand? Defining the Target Quantity Connects Statistical Evidence to Theory. https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/ba67n

What is your Estimand? Defining the target Quantity Connects Statistical Evidence to Theory  

- The framework is a way to show the current mode of quantitative inquiry: Hypotheses about regression coefficients. 
- Regression Coefficients: In statistics, the estimation of unknown population parameters between a predictor variable and a response. 
- This inquiry allows the research goal to happen inside the statistical model. If the research goal is a particular model, then you are committed to that model. Stating the research goal allows you to answer research questions that may come up when conducting the research.  

Framework for the Quantitative Social Sciences: Hypotheses about Regression Coefficients 

Theoretical Estimand

The first is a unit-specific quantity: defined as a realized outcome, a potential outcome, or a difference in potential outcomes. Potential outcome can have an intervention of more than one variable. 



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