Description
Return offset = eventTime-referenceBin using compatible event-time coordinates.
Cutoff and event-study calculations need explicit treatment timing, reference categories and boundary rules. A numerical selection flag or before-after contrast is not evidence that the identifying assumptions for causal inference hold.
Return offset = eventTime-referenceBin using compatible event-time coordinates.
When to use this tool
Use Event Time Reference Bin Offset when checking a supplied cutoff, event-time or group-time contrast.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter eventTime, referenceBin. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read offset. Use the output convention below.
Return offset = eventTime-referenceBin using compatible event-time coordinates.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| eventTime | Event Time | Required. Safe integer. |
| referenceBin | Reference Bin | Required. Safe integer. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| offset | Signed coordinate or index difference under the stated order and reference convention. | Required. Safe integer. |
{
"input": {
"eventTime": -2,
"referenceBin": -1
},
"output": {
"offset": -1
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This shifts a supplied coordinate relative to a reference bin. It does not estimate treatment effects, construct bins from dates or determine an appropriate omitted category.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use the appropriate research design and full estimator to assess comparability, treatment assignment and causal assumptions.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Event Study Relative Time Index Term
relativePeriod = period-eventPeriod; omittedReference tests exact equality with referenceRelativePeriod.
- Event Time Treatment Date Offset
Reference an observation date to an explicitly supplied treatment date in signed calendar days without estimating treatment effects.